Mike Shildt is considered one of the favorites to be the Padres next manager, but reports that if San Diego doesnt make the hire, the Brewers would have interest in Shildt for their own managerial vacancy. Shildt and bench coach are thought to be the two top candidates in San Diego, though there is a bit of fluidity to the situation. Shildt, Flaherty, and Angels infield coach were thought to be the final three (Carlos Mendoza was also a finalist before he was hired by the Mets) candidates, but the Padres have since interviewed and also reportedly in ex-Cubs skipper . MLB Networks Jon Morosi that Padres are expected to make their decision on a new manager by the middle of the week, so the Brewers should know soon about Shildts availability. The Brew Crew didnt want to fully explore other candidates until had made his decision, but after Counsell shocked the baseball world by supplanting Ro s as the Cubs dugout bo s, the Brewers now have that included six names. Joe Espada was on the list but has Sekou Doumbouya Jersey now been hired by the Astros as their new manager, so Shildts inclusion might keep the field at six for now. Milwaukee has plenty of intra-division familiarity with Shildt, as he managed the Cardinals from 2018-21 before joining the Padres in an advisory role. Some other items from around the NL Central has drawn as a trade candidate this winter, but have some doubts that the Cubs would move Morel for a player who is only under control for the 2024 season. Morel is controlled through the 2028 season, so Chicago is likelier to explore trades that would see another longer-term a set come back to Wrigleyville, in the event that Morel is moved at all. The 24-year-old has shown lots of power potential and the athleticism to play multiple positions, though it remains to be seen if Morel is a real defensive plus anywhere on the diamond. The presence of at second base perhaps blocks Morel at an ideal position, though Morel is preparing to add first base to his repertoire and might be an option at the cold corner if the Cubs dont add a more established first baseman. The Pirates were known to with about a contract extension last May, and while no deal was hammered out, writes that talks gained traction during the middle of last season, though the up-and-down nature of performance mixed with busine s led both sides to pre s pause until the fall or winter. Keller had an overall solid 2023 season, but ran into a midseason slump with a 6.28 ERA over five starts in July. The Bucs also received in Keller leading up to the deadline, and while it didnt seem like a deal was ever likely to happen, it makes sense that the Pirates didnt want to lock themselves into an extension with Keller just in case another club came along with a blow-away offer. Speaking with Mackey and other reporters at the GM Meetings, Bucs general manager Ben Cherington called Keller one of the guys who checks a lot of boxes and a guy we would love to see in a Pirates uniform for a long time , but unsurprisingly didnt give any information on the status of any ongoing extension negotiations. Cherington did give an update on , who might play some winter ball in the Dominican Republic as a way of continuing his recovery from ankle surgery. Cruz played in only nine games last season due to the April surgery, as continued sorene s in his left leg to action in September. The good news is that Cruz has been participating in full baseball activities at the Pirates training camp, and hell be at least getting in some game action at the Pirates academy in the Dominican Republic, even if the winter ball a signment doesnt happen. Cherington still expects Cruz to be ready to go for Spring Training. Joe Dumars Jersey