Mike Shildt extension with Padres strikes perfect balance between risk and reward

As good as the 2024 San Diego Padres were, it wasn't exactly a surprise how quickly the team moved to keep Mike Shildt around beyond 2025. Shildt made a strong case for Manager of Year this past season and AJ Preller was effusive in his praise of Shildt's work turning things for the Padres around so quickly after being hired last November.

However, there was at least some concern about getting too crazy with a Shildt extension. While he delivered this year, he did butt heads with the Cardinals' front office towards the end of his time there, and it isn't like San Diego hasn't seen things go south quickly with a well-regarded manager in the past (as was the case with Bob Melvin). Rewarding performance is great, but only within reason in the case of managers.

Well, the Padres finalized an extension with Shildt that seems to strike exactly the kind of balance that it should.

Mike Shildt's two year extension with Padres feels just right

The exact financial parameters of Shildt's extension aren't known, but it was reported he's expected to receive a considerable raise. Either way, the length of the deal is perfect for what the Padres are trying to do.

It is tempting to read into one year of success and decide Shildt should be the guy for many more to come. Honestly, that could end up being the case. However, the Padres were smart to reward Shildt for his success with a sensible extension. He did a great job, the players have responded well to him, and the Padres look as dangerous as any team in baseball with him at the helm.

The concern with any long-term deal for a manager is whether the effectiveness remains even when times are bad. Will Shildt continue to play as nice with the front office if San Diego goes through a rough patch? Will the Padres' players continue to respond well to how he manages, or will his act become tiresome? These questions cannot be answered right now, and a more modest extension guards against that risk.

If Shildt continues to perform well in his duties, San Diego can always work out another extension as a further reward. Winning games is a great way to keep both sides wanting to maintain their current partnership. Not committing to a longer-term deal does introduce the possibility of losing Shildt to another club down the line, but that risk isn't nearly as high as committing too much early on only to have it not work out.

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