Padres GM A.J. Preller addresses Mike Shildt’s retirement

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) - San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since the team's postseason exit, addressing Mike Shildt's surprising retirement and what comes next for the franchise.

Preller said Shildt informed the team shortly after the Padres' Wild Card elimination that he planned to step away, citing health issues and the toll of the job.

The 57-year-old manager later confirmed he'd been dealing with stress, poor sleep, and chest pains throughout the season.

Preller called the decision "a surprise more than a shock," praising Shildt for leading the Padres to back-to-back 90-win seasons and playoff appearances.

The search for a new manager is underway, with no set deadline. Preller said candidates with a variety of experience levels will be considered and added that San Diego remains "an attractive job" thanks to the city’s fan base and talented roster.

As for his own future, Preller remains under contract through 2026, but hasn't received an extension.

"I love the Padres and San Diego," he said. "We've built something strong here, but there's still unfinished business."

Preller also acknowledged the need to add more power and balance to the lineup after the Padres scored just five runs in their Wild Card loss.

"You've got to have a team that can hit for power and still grind at-bats," he said. "That's where we need to improve."

The Padres' next manager will inherit a roster anchored by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, but also major questions in the rotation and uncertainty surrounding several veterans.