Padres fans are ready to erupt over Mike Shildt Manager of the Year disrespect

If you were to ask San Diego Padres fans, they would tell you that one of the most important additions the organization made before the 2024 season wasn't a player. After a truly disappointing 2023 season, hiring Mike Shildt as manager completely changed how the Padres prepared and gave them an attitude that was sorely lacking under Bob Melvin. To say that shift in philosophy and leadership was instrumental in the Padres' run in 2024 may actually be selling Shildt short.

Given how obvious the difference was and that the Padres turned into one of the best teams in baseball under Shildt, most agreed that he should be a strong contender for NL Manager of the Year Award.

Shildt was indeed named a finalist, but unfortunately, ultimately finished second when the results were announced. Milwaukee Brewers' manager Pat Murphy won the award. While losing to Murphy — who was also really good — isn't outrageous, the vote count certainly was.

Shildt's lopsided loss to Murphy for Manager of the Year highlights flaws in voting process for Padres fans

Again, Murphy winning isn't the problem here. He took over the job in Milwaukee after Craig Counsell unceremoniously left town and took the Brewers back to the playoffs. The Brewers roster lost their staff ace Corbin Burnes and had a multitude of young players. San Diego can live with Shildt losing to a guy like that.

The problem was the results, which saw Shildt receive just one first-place vote. The Padres were a better team than the Brewers and San Diego saw a more drastic turnaround under Shildt than Murphy's Brewers. Unfortunately, the voters for Manager of the Year seem to have shifted towards giving the award to small market managers of contenders instead of evaluate all managers based on merit. If your team actually spends money, good luck getting first-place votes.

Ultimately, getting second place is still a great honor, but doesn't change all that much for the Padres. San Diego clearly understands Shildt's value after giving him an extension and that is truly what matters. Shildt fits right in with this exciting Padres roster and is going to be around for the foreseeable future.

At the end of the day, wins and losses on the field are what matter and it sure seems like the Padres have found the right guy to deliver a contender each year whether the voters recognize it or not.

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