Orioles move quietly connects Padres to intriguing catcher option

It is now well known that Mike Shildt is not returning as the Padres manager for 2026, as the team’s skipper of two seasons stepped down following the early NLWC exit to the Chicago Cubs this year.

What is not exactly well-known to everyone is the fact that Shildt is still manning a role in MLB, as he ended up getting hired by the Baltimore Orioles, taking on an upper-level constructional role.

Mike Shildt hire quietly connects Orioles and Padres in intriguing catcher storyline

This move is important to the Padres for two reasons: the first being that it proves that the 57-year-old manager isn’t retiring, and that he will remain in MLB for the near future. Secondly, his presence in Baltimore could link president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, to one potential trade target.

The Padres traded for catcher Freddy Fermin at the 2025 trade deadline, and he served as a solid No. 1 catcher for the remainder of the season. That shouldn’t take much to achieve, as the catching tandem of Elias Diaz and Martín Maldonado was straight up terrible, as the two were both horrendous at the plate.

The point we are getting at here is that it would not hurt to make a second trade for a catcher, one that could be the starter, with Fermin catching once every three games. Baltimore hiring Shildt links the Padres to Adley Rutschman, who could use a change in scenery.

In his fourth year in the big leagues, the 27-year-old put up his worst season at the plate, as he posted a sub-.700 OPS (.673). The Orioles also saw their top catching prospect, Samuel Basallo, make his debut in 2025. After only four games to his name, the team locked him up long-term, signing him to an eight-year deal worth $67 million.

This could force Baltimore to field calls for Rutschman, who remains under contract through the 2026 season before hitting the open market in 2027. It may be time for Preller to check in on the once-great catcher; after all, he still has plenty of years left to turn it around offensively. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to give this a try.