The Padres will have a new manager in 2024.
Bob Melvin has accepted the job managing the Giants, sources confirmed Tuesday morning. He replaces Gabe Kapler, who was fired last month during the final week of the regular season.
The Padres will commence a thorough search for their third manager in four seasons, but they are expected to hire from within. Former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt, who has held the title of Senior Advisor to Player Development and Major Leagues for the Padres the past two seasons, is considered the leading candidate. The Padres’ brass also has long held bench coach Ryan Flaherty in high regard. Shildt is 55 years old; Flaherty, who played alongside Manny Machado with the Baltimore Orioles, is 37.
Melvin joined the Padres before the 2022 season and led the team to the National League Championship Series that year before the team slogged to an 82-80 record and missed the postseason in 2023.
Tuesday’s outcome was expected after the Giants were granted permission to interview Melvin over the weekend. Melvin, 61, received assurance he was the leading candidate before deciding to engage with the Giants. San Francisco marks Melvin’s fifth managerial job: He previously skippered Seattle (2003-04), Arizona (2005-09) and Oakland (2011-21) before his two seasons in San Diego.
The move provided an out for both sides, as the relationship between Melvin and Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, among others in front office, grew increasingly strained.
This story will be updated.
