On Friar Podcast: Shildt’s Extension, Profar and Kim Offseason Moves Begin.
If the squad can only keep Profar or Kim, who should it be? Plus an early look at free agent possibilities.
The offseason is truly underway! Mike Shildt and A.J. Preller were all smiles when they announced Shildt’s two-year extension. Has the Padres’ GM finally found his skipper? Derek and Darnay share their thoughts on the news we expected. Do they have any chance of keeping Ha-Seong Kim? What’s the forecast for Jurickson Profar? Preller spoke at GM meetings. The guys share some early targets on the free agent market.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt has reached a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season.
Mike Shildt, the manager of the San Diego Padres, has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season, the Padres announced on Wednesday.
Shildt was hired in November 2023 on a two-year deal.
This season, San Diego finished with a 93-69 record, taking second place in the NL West, five games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres won their Wild Card Series against Atlanta 2-0 but were eliminated in the Division Series by the Dodgers after taking a 2-1 lead.
“Obviously a tremendous year for the big league team, a very good year for the organization, just a really strong year for Mike as a manager,” said general manager A.J. Preller in a video call with reporters. “It was clear that he’s somebody that I want to partner with for a long time. And that’s what this extension is a sign of, just a job really well done.”
San Diego Padres players in the 6th inning
Shildt expressed his gratitude for the trust shown in him.
“I’m just extremely blessed, grateful, appreciative of the confidence that ownership and A.J. have shown, and not only me being in the organization now going on four years, but getting the opportunity last year to manage the club and now of course this year to now get the extension,” Shildt said.
“I like the word that A.J. used, the partnering word with A.J. and the front office,” Shildt continued. “My respect for A.J. is only increased in my admiration for how he works and how he goes about his operations and how he assembles not only our big league club, but has put this organization on very, very good footing over the last several years, has been very impressive.”
Shildt previously managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 2019 to 2021, leading them to the playoffs each year.
