The Padres are once again searching for a new manager.

In a surprising announcement Monday, Mike Shildt broke the news in a letter written to the San Diego Union-Tribune in which he said, "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from managing the San Diego Padres."

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Shildt said he gave every fiber of his being to the job, but that it took "a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally." With that in mind, he opted to exit on his own terms.

The 57-year-old just finished his second season as Padres manager, which followed two years as a player development consultant and senior advisor. He guided the club to consecutive 90-win seasons and the team's first back-to-back postseason appearances since 2005-2006.

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