Jackson Merrill, Luis Arraez, Jeremiah Estrada, and others react to Padres extending Mike Shildt as manager through 2027

The San Diego Padres made sure that the baseball world recognized them as World Series contenders after their strong 2024 season. With a strong core group of players, the Californian team reached the playoffs where they were defeated in the National League Championship Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Padres started the year with Mike Shildt being named manager after Bob Melvin moved to the San Francisco Giants. Shildt previously managed the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he also won the NL Manager of the Year award in 2019.

For the previous two years, he was on the Padres staff as the batting coach. Because of San Diego's strong performance throughout the season, his contract with the organization was renewed through 2027.

As soon as the news broke, a number of players showed their support. Batting superstars Luis Arraez and Jackson Merrill reacted along with utility man Tyler Wade and pitchers Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrade.

Luis Arraez, Jackson Merrill and Jeremiah Estrada's Instagram stories (Source: Instagram @jeremiah_estrada13, _jacksonmerill_, arraezluis)

Tyler Wade and Adrian Morejon's Instagram Stories (Source: Instagram @tylerwade, @adrianmorejon40)

Mike Shildt 'committed' to winning title with San Diego

Mike Shildt has had four full seasons as manager in the MLB. He was able to reach the playoffs in each of those three seasons with the Cardinals and continued that form with the Padres. He thanked the fans and reinstated late owner Peter Seidler's desire to bring home a World Series title to the city of San Diego.

"I am honored to continue leading this team toward Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego. In collaboration with our players and coaching staff, we are committed to building on our success, serving our community and the city of San Diego, and delivering a winning team to our incredible and deserving fanbase."

Shildt will have his work cut out this offseason as several key players like Ha-seong Kim and Luis Arraez have their contracts up.