The San Diego Padres are navigating a complex situation following the passing of their beloved owner, Peter Seidler. A legal battle has emerged within the Seidler family, casting a shadow over the future leadership of the team. Sheel Seidler, Peter Seidler’s wife, has initiated legal proceedings against his brothers, Matthew and Robert Seidler, escalating a dispute over who should assume control of the Padres. This action challenges the anticipated succession plan and has ignited discussions throughout Major League Baseball (MLB).
Sheel Seidler’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, seeks to prevent John Seidler, another of Peter’s brothers, from taking the helm of the Padres. According to Sheel, her late husband, Peter Seidler, envisioned her as his successor in the control person role. Peter Seidler, who sadly passed away on November 14, 2023, at the age of 63, left behind a significant legacy with the Padres and in the San Diego community. His unexpected death has now triggered a power struggle within the family, played out against the backdrop of a major sports franchise.
Matthew Seidler has responded to these allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing. In a public statement released on Tuesday via the Peter Seidler Trust website, Matthew described Sheel’s claims as “entirely untrue” and pledged to “vigorously defend” against them. He emphasized that these “false accusations” would not deter the Padres organization from their ongoing progress, both on and off the baseball field in San Diego. This strong rebuttal sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal conflict, even as the Padres organization attempts to maintain stability.
The timing of this lawsuit is noteworthy, coinciding with the Padres’ active pursuit of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. This pursuit highlights the ongoing operations of the team despite the ownership uncertainty, but the legal wrangling could potentially distract from or complicate such high-stakes player acquisitions.
Sheel Seidler’s legal petition, submitted to the Travis County Probate Court in Austin, Texas, accuses Matthew and Robert Seidler of multiple breaches of fiduciary duty. These accusations include fraud, conversion, and “egregious acts of self-dealing.” Sheel’s legal team argues that these actions undermine Peter Seidler’s intentions and improperly benefit his brothers at the expense of his estate and, implicitly, his wishes for the Padres’ future.
Matthew Seidler countered these claims by stating that Peter Seidler intentionally left the decision of his successor to the trustee of his trust, rather than explicitly naming an individual. He explained that Peter had designated his siblings as successor trustees in a specific order: Robert, then Matthew, and finally John. Matthew further clarified that Robert Seidler stepped down from his trustee role in May 2024 due to family health concerns, a situation Matthew suggests Sheel is attempting to exploit for her own gain. Following Robert’s resignation, Matthew assumed the trustee position.
The San Diego Padres officially announced on December 21st that John Seidler would become the control person for the team. However, this appointment is still pending approval from the MLB owners. The Seidler brothers have deep roots in baseball ownership, being grandsons of Walter O’Malley, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This baseball legacy underscores the family’s long-standing involvement in the sport and the high stakes involved in controlling a major league franchise like the Padres.
Matthew Seidler addressed Sheel’s potential disappointment, suggesting that if Peter Seidler had desired her to be trustee or control person, he would have clearly stated so in legal documents. He championed John Seidler’s suitability for the control person role, citing his extensive history with baseball and his successful business career. Matthew expressed confidence that John’s “business experience, proven leadership qualities, and love for the Padres” make him the ideal successor to Peter Seidler. He anticipates that MLB and other team owners will welcome and swiftly approve John’s appointment.
Furthermore, Matthew Seidler directly refuted Sheel’s allegation that his promotion of John as control person was linked to a potential sale and relocation of the Padres. He labeled this claim “completely false” and “laughable,” firmly stating that relocating the Padres from San Diego has “never been discussed or contemplated.” This strong denial aims to reassure Padres fans and the San Diego community about the team’s commitment to the city.
In response to Matthew’s public statement, Sheel Seidler’s lawyers maintained their position. They denied Matthew’s assertions that Peter Seidler did not intend for her to be control person and contradicted his claim that she had supported John for the role. They also pointed out that an MLB form she signed acknowledges that no individual can become a control person without formal MLB approval. This back-and-forth highlights the deeply entrenched and contentious nature of this ownership dispute, leaving the future leadership of the San Diego Padres uncertain as the legal process unfolds and MLB’s decision looms.
