Padres' Shildt retires, cites 'severe toll' of job

Mike Shildt is retiring as San Diego Padres manager with two years remaining on his contract, citing a "severe toll" the job has taken on him mentally and physically.

The 57-year-old Shildt led the Padres to the postseason in each of the two seasons he managed the franchise. San Diego was eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

"It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days," Shildt said in a statement given to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series Championship to San Diego.

"We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons."

Shildt on Saturday informed the team he would retire, nine days after the Padres were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card round, he told the Union Tribune, adding that he made the decision on his own accord.

"We would like to congratulate Mike on a successful career and thank him for his significant contributions to the Padres and the San Diego community over the last four years," Padres general manager A.J. Preller wrote as part of a statement.

The Padres finished 90-72 this season, three games back of the NL West champion Dodgers. Shildt was 183-141 record as their manager and 5-5 in the postseason.

Before succeeding Bob Melvin in San Diego, Shildt managed the St. Louis Cardinals for three full seasons after taking over for Mike Matheny during the 2018 season.

"The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally," Shildt said in his statement. "While it has always been about serving others, it's time I take care of myself and exit on my terms."

"However," he added, "I am most grateful for our players. San Diego is rightfully proud of the Padres players. It is a group that conducts themselves with class, is dedicated to each other and the common goal of winning a World Series. I love our players and will miss them dearly!!

"After 34 years of dedicating myself to the rigors of coaching and managing, I can with great enjoyment look back on achieving my two primary goals: To help players get the most out of their God given ability and become better men. Also, to win games."

Information from ESPN's Alden Gonzalez was used in this report.