MLB Insider views Mike Shildt as frontrunner for Padres job if Bob Melvin departs - "Would fulfill a succession plan"

MLB Insider Kevin Acee believes that Mike Shildt could be the frontrunner if the San Diego Padres have a vacancy at the manager position. Although Bob Melvin currently remains the team's manager, there have been plenty of rumors linking the veteran coach to the San Francisco Giants.

If Bob Melvin does in fact step down as the San Diego Padres manager, many believe that the team could look from within to fill the vacancy. Acee believes that the hiring of Mike Shildt as the team's manager would fulfill a succession plan:

"But the hiring of Shildt, 55, would fulfill a succession plan multiple people in baseball operations favored late in the 2023 season."

"Padres have internal candidates if Bob Melvin leaves, and Mike Shildt appears to be at the front of the line" - @sdutKevinAcee

Although Shildt may be seen as a frontrunner for the potentially vacant position, there are a number of other notable candidates who could be in the running for the managerial gig. One of the other names mentioned who is also within the Padres organization is Ryan Flaherty, who is the team's current bench coach.

Shildt is not only reportedly one of the favorites to land the position if Bob Melvin leaves, but he also has experience as a major league manager. The 55-year-old spent several seasons as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, leading the team from 2018-2021, and posting a 252-199 record. During that span, he was also named the 2019 National League Manager of the Year.

The rumors surrounding Mike Shildt could be for nothing if Bob Melvin remains with the team for the 2024 campaign

Even though some experts and analysts believe that Melvin could look outside the organization, with the San Francisco Giants as a potential landing spot, he is under contract with the San Diego Padres through the 2024 season.

"Bob Melvin now is the front-runner to land the Giants’ open managerial job as the Padres reportedly granted permission for an interview (via@PavlovicNBCS)" - @NBCSGiants

This season, the San Diego Padres missed the playoff thanks to their disappointing 82-80 record. However, given the superstar talent currently on the San Diego Padres, including Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Juan Soto (for the time being), there simply may not be an enticing enough destination for Melvin to leave for.