Padres predicted to replace Mike Shildt with former Manager of the Year, 'hottest name on market'

Hunter Cookston

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Padres predicted to replace Mike Shildt with former Manager of the Year, 'hottest name on market' image

The San Diego Padres’ season was cut short when they fell to the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series. The Padres have an exciting roster for the future, so it came as a shock when manager Mike Shildt decided to retire.

“While it has always been about serving others, it's time I take care of myself and exit on my terms," Shildt said. "I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series Championship to San Diego. After 34 years of dedicating myself to the rigors of coaching and managing, I can with great enjoyment look back on achieving my two primary goals: To help players get the most out of their God given ability and become better men. Also, to win games."

A potential replacement for Shildt is former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.

“The 2023 American League Manager of the Year took the fall for the Baltimore Orioles' stumble when he was fired 43 games into the 2025 season. A California native, Hyde has never managed or coached in his home state, but figures to be one of the hottest names on the market this offseason,” SI’s JP Hoornstra wrote.

The Orioles may have given up on Hyde too soon and could end up regretting that decision. Baltimore sent Hyde packing in May, just a month into the season.

“The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday, hoping a new leader can spark a turnaround of the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball. Hyde, who had managed the Orioles through the end of their rebuild and helped lead them to the past two postseasons, oversaw an underwhelming start. The Orioles fell to 15-29,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

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Now, the Padres could easily swoop in and bring him aboard. Hyde has already been linked to nearly every managerial opening this offseason. He’d be a good fit for a veteran team—something he didn’t have in Baltimore—and could provide the spark that San Diego is currently missing.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.