A.J. Preller sat in front of a laptop screen Monday at Petco Park, more than a week after the 2024 San Diego Padres walked off the field for the final time, and some of the emotions from his team’s postseason ouster were still fresh.

Shildt originally signed a two-year contract when hired to manage the team last offseason, but the club already has interest in keeping him around for a longer period.

Padres skipper Mike Shildt originally signed a two-year contract when hired to manage the club last offseason, but the club