Orioles risk losing their next manager to Padres after Mike Shildt's sudden exit

A sudden wrench may have been thrown into the Baltimore Orioles' search for their next manager. The San Diego Padres shocked the baseball world on Monday, announcing that Mike Shildt was "retiring as the Padres manager". The indication, at least from what Shildt is saying, is that it was his decision, but the phrasing and timing make it seem like the Padres may have strongly suggested the idea.

With the Texas Rangers wasting no time in hiring Skip Schumaker, the Orioles' job was one of the most attractive openings of the offseason. The O's have an enticing core of young players who could have the team return to contention as early as next season, and that may lure candidates to Baltimore instead of a team like the Colorado Rockies or Minnesota Twins.

With the Padres' job now available, that is easily the most coveted spot. The Friars have a roster that's ready to contend right now and a front office that is always going to be aggressively pursue acquisitions no matter the cost. That could be what sets the stage for the Padres poaching one of the Orioles' top candidates.

Orioles might lose top managerial target after Mike Shildt’s surprise exit

The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports that Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty is expected to be a strong candidate to be the next Padres manager. Flaherty served in the same capacity with the Padres before joining Craig Counsell in Chicago, so the connection is rather obvious.

Flaherty, however, spent most of his playing career with the Orioles, easily becoming a fan favorite between 2012 and 2017. Given his previous time with the organization and the fact that he is only 39, Flaherty would be an ideal choice to take over in Baltimore's dugout.

There haven't been many concrete developments when it comes to the Orioles' managerial search. That is to be expected, as the team may be waiting to interview candidates who are still in the playoffs. Regardless, with the Padres now lurking, the Orioles must prepare to act quickly if needed.