Padres turn to familiar face, hire Craig Stammen as new manager

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) - The San Diego Padres are turning to a familiar name to lead them into a new era. Former reliever Craig Stammen has been hired as the team's next manager, agreeing to a three-year deal, his first managing job at any level.

Stammen, 41, spent six of his 13 major league seasons with the Padres before retiring in 2023. Since then, he's worked closely with the team's front office and coaching staff, earning respect throughout the organization for his leadership and baseball IQ.

He replaces Mike Shildt, who retired last month after two successful seasons that included back-to-back playoff appearances and at least 90 wins each year. Shildt cited burnout as his reason for stepping away.

Padres general manager A.J. Preller praised Stammen’s deep ties to the organization, saying, "Craig has been a strong presence here for nearly a decade. His leadership, competitive nature, and ability to bring people together make him the ideal choice to lead this team."

Stammen becomes the only former pitcher currently managing in the majors, having made 333 appearances for the Padres, fifth-most in franchise history.

He inherits a talented roster featuring Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado, but also faces major offseason questions. Starters Dylan Cease and Michael King are free agents, while Yu Darvish will miss all of 2026 after elbow surgery.

The Padres' hire adds to a wave of unconventional managerial moves across Major League Baseball this offseason, including the Angels' hiring of Kurt Suzuki and the Giants' surprise pick, college coach Tony Vitello.

With expectations still high in San Diego, Stammen's transition from bullpen leader to dugout boss will be one of the MLB's most-watched storylines next season.