Mike Shildt’s Departure from San Diego and the Padres’ Rotation Picture in 2026
There’s a moment in every manager’s career when the dugout no longer feels like home. For Mike Shildt, that moment came in San Diego - and it came sooner than many expected.
In a recent interview, Shildt opened up about why he stepped away from managing the Padres and how he ended up with the Baltimore Orioles organization so quickly afterward. While he didn’t throw anyone under the bus, it’s clear that by mid-2025, Shildt was already thinking about life beyond Petco Park.
Shildt’s situation echoes what Bob Melvin experienced before him. Melvin, now managing the San Francisco Giants, admitted he used to look across the field and imagine himself in a different dugout.
For Shildt, the pull toward something new - a different culture, a different opportunity - seemed to intensify as the 2025 season wore on. It’s not always about wins and losses; sometimes it’s about fit, philosophy, or simply needing a new challenge.
And for Shildt, that challenge now lies in Baltimore.
Padres Rotation: Randy Vasquez Steps Into the Spotlight
Back in San Diego, the Padres are facing their own transitions - especially on the mound. Randy Vasquez, who’s spent his first two seasons as more of a depth option, is now staring down a real opportunity. With free agency and injuries shaking up the rotation, Vasquez is being asked to step into a much larger role in 2026.
This isn’t just a spot start or a fill-in assignment. This is a chance to prove he belongs in a Major League rotation full-time.
Manager Craig Stammen and pitching coach Ruben Niebla will be watching closely - not just for results, but for how Vasquez handles the pressure. The stuff is there.
Now it’s about consistency, confidence, and command. If he can put it all together, he could be one of the more intriguing breakout arms in the National League this season.
Around the League: Injuries, Signings, and Trade Rumblings
Ha-Seong Kim’s Tough Break in Atlanta
Over in Atlanta, the Braves were counting on Ha-Seong Kim to solidify their infield defense and bring a steady bat to the lineup. But just weeks after signing a one-year, $20 million deal to play shortstop, Kim is now expected to miss four to five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his hand - an injury reportedly suffered after slipping on ice.
It’s a brutal blow for both Kim and the Braves, who were hoping his versatility and glove would be a key part of their 2026 campaign. Now they’ll have to get creative in the middle infield while Kim recovers.
Junis Joins the Champs
The defending champion Texas Rangers added a bit of bullpen depth by signing Jakob Junis to a one-year, $4 million deal, with a mutual option for 2027. Junis, once a starter, has found a second life as a reliever, and Texas is betting on that trend continuing. He won’t be the flashiest name in the ‘pen, but he brings experience and versatility - two things that matter a lot come October.
Red Sox Still Searching Behind the Plate
The Boston Red Sox came up empty in their pursuit of free agent catchers J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini, leaving a noticeable hole behind the plate.
The front office is reportedly still exploring options to shore up the position, but time - and the market - is thinning out. With spring training just around the corner, Boston may need to get creative or aggressive to find a solution that fits both defensively and in the clubhouse.
Trade Winds Dying Down for Duran and Donovan
Two names that have been floating in the trade market all offseason - Jarren Duran of the Red Sox and Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals - are starting to look more like staying put than packing bags. The Kansas City Royals, who were once seen as a potential landing spot for either player, are reportedly no longer in pursuit. That’s cooled the market considerably, and for now, both players appear likely to remain with their respective teams.
Cardinals’ Curious Offseason Continues
Speaking of the Cardinals, it’s been a bit of a head-scratching offseason in St. Louis.
After trading away key right-handed bats like Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado, the front office - led by Chaim Bloom - is now reportedly exploring the addition of a right-handed outfielder. On paper, that seems like a puzzling pivot.
But in baseball, roster construction isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s about fit, sometimes it’s about value, and sometimes it’s just about who’s available.
Either way, the Cardinals’ roster is in flux, and the next few weeks could offer more clarity - or more confusion.
The offseason always brings its share of surprises, but this winter has been particularly unpredictable. From managerial shakeups to injury setbacks and late-market moves, teams across the league are still trying to piece together their 2026 puzzles. And with spring training fast approaching, the clock is ticking.