SAN DIEGO — After two seasons at the helm in America’s Finest City, Mike Shildt announced his retirement on Monday morning. Shildt finishes his managerial career with a 435-340 record and five 90-win seasons as a full-time manager. He led the Padres to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2024 and ’25, the first time the franchise had done so since the ’05-’06 seasons. 

With two years remaining on his contract, Shildt cited the job had taken a “severe toll” on him “mentally and physically,” in a letter he submitted to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Thank you for your many contributions to the Padres organization and the San Diego community, Mike.

We wish you the very best in your retirement 💛 pic.twitter.com/s4JZVjd1z0

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 13, 2025

The Padres will now begin the search for their fourth skipper since the 2020 season. There are internal candidates that could be considered for the vacancy, such as former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, former big leaguer Mark Loretta, who currently serves as a special assistant to Padres CEO Erik Greupner, and pitching coach Ruben Niebla.

Externally, a very intriguing name sticks out like no other. Four-time World Series champion and former Padres manager Bruce Bochy.Â