Padres Ownership Drama: Brother of Late Owner Fires Back at Lawsuit Allegations

Matt Seidler has pushed back against the widow of late San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, denying claims that they have acted in bad faith and stating that his brother never expressed interest in her running the franchise. Matt, one of Peter’s nine siblings, also strongly refuted suggestions he might consider relocating the franchise.

In a complaint filed in Texas probate court Monday, Sheel Seidler, who was married and had three children with Peter Seidler, accused Matt and Robert Seidler, also known as Bob, of “fiduciary breaches of trust, fraud, conversion and egregious acts of self-dealing” in their roles as trustees and executors of Peter Seidler’s estate, while also claiming that her late husband wished to make her the Padres’ control person. Sheel Seidler also claimed that Matt Seidler’s efforts to name the eldest brother, John, as control person “may well be part of his efforts to sell, and perhaps relocate, the team.”

In a letter addressed to “Padres partners and Faithful fans” on Tuesday, Matt Seidler called the thought of relocating the team “laughable.” In the only bold and underlined portion of a 1,600-word statement, Matt Seidler wrote: “To clarify the record without ambiguity, relocating the Padres from San Diego has never been discussed or contemplated.”

Sheel Seidler, who is of Indian descent, also accused Bob Seidler’s wife of “multiple racist, profane and hateful communications.” In response, Matt Seidler wrote: “Sheel is well aware that this individual faces difficult personal health challenges and, most importantly, that the hurtful language does not at all reflect the thoughts or feelings of any other family member.”

Peter Seidler, the revolutionary owner and celebrated philanthropist who lifted the Padres to new financial heights and tremendous popularity, died over complications from an infection in November 2023. Eric Kutsenda, a longtime friend and business partner, was named his full-time replacement November 2023. John Seidler can’t officially be designated the Padres’ control person until three-quarters of Major League Baseball’s owners approve, though a vote could take place at next month’s owners’ meetings.

In her suit filed against Matt and Bob Seidler — the current and former trustees of Seidler’s trust, respectively — Sheel Seidler stated that she holds the largest ownership stake in the Padres and that she is entitled to becoming the organization’s control person, while also accusing the two brothers of not acting in the best interest of her or her children. In a letter addressed to fans Monday, Sheel Seidler called her complaint “a very last resort” to “protect my family and to continue to carry out Peter’s legacy.”