Mike Shildt's quote on forgotten Padres star proves why he's beloved

In this day and age, it is very easy for fans to hate the head coach of their favorite team. People are often critical on social media of every move they make. It makes sense, because well, sports fans are passionate and they want their team to win. It just doesn't always come out in a positive way.

It is difficult, however, for San Diego Padres fans to be hard on manager Mike Shildt. In his second year with the Friars, Shildt has led a winning club, all while being a clear player's manager. That is the best way for a coach to earn the respect of the clubhouse, and Shildt's latest remarks on Gavin Sheets further prove that he is the perfect man for the job.

Sheets was a major contributor to the Padres in his first season with the team, garnering potential All-Star attention. However, Sheets struggled mightily right ahead of the trade deadline, a.k.a the worst time for him to slump, batting .198 in July. San Diego went out and traded for two capable corner outfielders in Ramon Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn, who took away most of Sheets' playing time.

However, Sheets was given the start on August 11 on the road against the Giants, and he stepped up big time. Sheets batted 2-for-3 with a leadoff double in the seventh inning to spark a Friars rally. Shildt took notice of Sheets' contributions despite not getting as much playing time as he's been used to in 2025.

Padres' Mike Shildt offers Gavin Sheets praise following adjustment to sitting on bench more often

“What can you say about Gavin Sheets?” Shildt said on MLB.com. “That guy kept his head in the game, hasn’t been able to get the at-bats he was getting early and accepted it like a pro, stayed ready for his teammates.”

Sheets' rally-sparking double was off of Logan Webb, a potential NL Cy Young contender who had held San Diego to one run all night. That's a tough spot for Sheets, especially considering it was just his third game played in August.

He was thrown into a tough situation on August 11, but he showed no problem getting back into his groove. Shildt made sure that Sheets was put in the spotlight, and deservingly so. Comments like these definitely ease the pain for Sheets, who was a starter riding a career-best season before Laureano and O'Hearn showed up. A mutual respect, if not already there, has grown stronger between Shildt and Sheets.