November 7, 2024
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Rookie Jackson Merrill homers in 9th off Miller to lift the Padres to a 5-4 win against the A's - The Press Democrat

Padres extend skipper Mike Shildt after playoff year

The San Diego Padres rewarded skipper Mike Shildt with a two-year extension through the 2027 season on Wednesday.

Shildt, 56, guided the team to a 93-69 record and reached the National League Division Series in his first season.

That represented an 11-win improvement over the 2023 campaign under previous manager Bob Melvin.

Rookie Jackson Merrill homers in 9th off Miller to lift the Padres to a 5-4 win against the A's - The Press Democrat

“I am honored to continue leading this team toward (late owner) Peter Seidler’s vision of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego,” Shildt said in a statement. “In collaboration with our players and coaching staff, we are committed to building on our success, serving our community and the City of San Diego, and delivering a winning team to our incredible and deserving fan base.”

Rookie Jackson Merrill homers in 9th off Miller to lift the Padres to a 5-4 win against the A's - The Press Democrat

The Padres finished strong, going 34-18 in August and September. They swept the Atlanta Braves in the wild-card series before losing in five games in the NLCS to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rookie Jackson Merrill homers in 9th off Miller to lift the Padres to a 5-4 win against the A's - The Press Democrat

“As Mike demonstrated this year, he has an unwavering commitment to winning and a unique set of skills that got our group to perform at a high level,” Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement. “He possesses a true love for this team and the game of baseball, and I am thrilled to continue to work together with Mike to bring a championship to the City of San Diego.”

Rookie Jackson Merrill homers in 9th off Miller to lift the Padres to a 5-4 win against the A's - The Press Democrat

Shildt was 252-199 in parts of four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018-21, winning NL Manager of the Year honors in 2019.

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