The San Diego Padres were brimming full of talent in 2023, coming from a strong 2022 run. But something wasn’t clicking, and then, cut to 2024 – things were looking completely different for the team. They have been full of energy, working hard and playing with that spark which, at other times, wasn’t there. So the big question is – What changed? Was it just a matter of time, or did the entry of Mike Shildt shake things up; maybe, bring a purpose to the team?

Considering how the Padres lived and played this season, it seems to be the latter. Shildt is not a stranger to success, so it’s no surprise that he can make a difference. Even the Padre’s higher-ups think so because, reportedly, the team is finalizing a two-year contract extension for Mike Shildt. So, this deal will keep him with the Padres till 2027. And he deserves this, given that San Diego saw an 11-win growth and a strong showing since last year. But the journey was not so easy for Shildt.

Shildt is guiding the San Diego Padres through big changes

Mike Shildt’s career has had its ups and downs – he was fired by the St. Louis Cardinals back in the year 2021. But he was given a second chance, and boy, did he make the best of it. However, Mike did face challenges when he came to the Padres – first, stars like Juan Soto and Blake Snell made their way to the out. Not to mention that injuries had riddled their starting pitching rotation. But they sailed through it all.

The Padres not only sailed through the playoffs but they showed that they mean serious business, becoming a favorite and a win-win contender. Although they lost to their longest-rival LA Dodgers, Shildt’s input is pretty evident in the team. Thankfully, he will have the chance to keep working on the team he brought so far, plus, it’s a brilliant decision for the San Diego Padres, given many of their players, like Kyle Higashioka, Jurickson Profar, and others are entering free agency. So, having that steady hand when big changes are happening is good for the team; but now, the baseball fans are going berserk over this deal!

Dodgers fans can’t resist trolling Mike Shildt’s

A LA Dodger fan said, “Dave Roberts, son.” Recently, the San Diego Padres, as a team, received plenty of praise from Dave Roberts. In a conversation with Mookie Betts, Roberts confessed that he felt that playing with the Padres felt more competitive, electric, and like a ‘World Series’ to them. That’s a great compliment, moreover, Dave Roberts also highlighted that the Padres were not scared of the Dodgers, and that itself shows they have grown into a powerhouse.

Another user had a quick quip: “All this to finish second to their big brothers up north.” Well, for years, the Padres have been under the Dodgers’ shadow, but they have finally shaken off that ‘little brother’ tag. And as far as their current manager is concerned, when A. J. Preller left to go manage gains, Shildt came in. He was the one to lead the team to clinch the second-most wins in franchise history. The only time any other Padre team won more games was in 1988.

One Dodger fan playfully commented, “Bro loves losing to the Dodgers.” But Shildt deserves some slack, even Roberts is giving the team the grace they deserve. Shildt doesn’t have a lack of wins either; he went 252-199 when he took over Mike Matheny to manage the St. Louis Cardinals. During the span, they had made it to the playoffs three times and even advanced to the NLCS in 2019.

Another user, trying to rub salt, wrote, “Keeping the franchise’s culture (to lose) alive.” If this was any other year, it might be true, but things are changing. Look at the postseason success that San Diego has whipped up – they defeated the Braves in the wild card and look for a lead in the divisional series over the Dodgers 2-1. The Blue Crew did win the next two games and the series; yet, the Padres’ gameplay cannot be ignored.

Some users appreciated Mike Shildt, with one commenting, “He deserves it 👏” And well, the manager of the San Diego Padres sure does deserve all the love and accolades. Recently, even Mookie Betts agreed that the Padres “kick our a** all season,” when in conversation with Dave Roberts. That one-sided glory is coming to an end as the Padres are now pushing their limits. They are coming for the Dodgers’ spot, ready to make some noise.

Do you credit Mike Shildt for the team’s growth? Let us know your take in the comments below.