3 best things San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said at the MLB Winter Meetings

NASHVILLE — Inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center on Tuesday, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt continued to carve out his vision for where he wants to see the Friars go in 2024 and beyond.

With the manager's title for less than a month, Shildt took time to talk to the media during Day 2 of the 2023 MLB Winter Meetings. There was plenty to talk about with the Padres, including the future of Juan Soto with the team and the mess that was the 2023 season and how San Diego will move forward.

With that in mind, here are three of the best things I heard Shildt say on Tuesday.

How Mike Shildt views the San Diego Padres in 2024

Again, last season was disappointing in San Diego. Padres fans are well aware of that, and it's one of the reasons why Shildt ascended to the manager role after the departure of Bob Melvin to the San Francisco Giants. But what lies ahead for the Padres? Shildt believes it is all about the foundation that is being set right now within the clubhouse culture.

"The big picture about the meetings with the group so far is continue to be impressed by our leadership of our clubhouse and the quality of people we have and the dedication, desire to work together and be great," Shildt said. "I just can't speak highly enough of the guys we have. Joe Musgrove, Manny. These guys have been amazing to work with, to sit down and talk with, hear their thoughts. They have great ones. Shared opinions and philosophies and looking to partner with that group."

Having Manny Machado's name specifically mentions speaks to the leadership that came into question at times last season. That, however, could be a moot story as 2024 begins, both with Machado recovering from surgery and a new manager as well.