San Diego Padres Have Hired Craig Stammen as Their New Manager
They needed a new skipper and after a few interviews they have their guy. On Thursday morning the rumor mill was off and running (but seriously, shoutout to Matt Jones of Ky Sports Radio lol); but finally news was indeed confirmed that the San Diego Padres have indeed hired Craig Stammen as their new manager. Former manager Mike Shildt retired as the manager of the San Diego Padres in October 2025, citing the “severe toll” the job took on him mentally, physically, and emotionally. Therefore, hopefully the time away will help him fully heal.
Nonetheless, after news of Stammen broke ESPN’s Jeff Passan took to social media to report, “The San Diego Padres have hired Craig Stammen as manager, as Kevin Acee reports. Stammen, 41, was a longtime reliever for the Padres and Nationals and had been a special assistant to San Diego GM A.J. Preller. In a season of shocking managerial hires, this one tops the list.”
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale added, The San Diego Padres hire Craig Stammen as their new manager as Kevin Acee reports. Stammen, a 12-year MLB pitcher including 6 years with the Padres, had worked the past three years as a Padres special assistant in the player development department. He received a 3- year contract.
As one can see, this move by San Diego, no one really predicted or saw coming. Just the way that general manager AJ Preller likes things. Mysterious.
However, Preller should receive some recognition and respect. He has now put together several rosters that have made it to the postseason. And has a couple 90 win seasons under his belt. Moreover, this success is still occurring even after the unfortunate loss of owner, Peter Seidler; having to cut about a $100 million from payroll; multiple player injuries, working to fill numerous positions in the outfield and pitching; Seidler widow allegations; and dealing with a manager carousel involving Bob Melvin and Mike Shildt.
San Diego Padres Have Hired Craig Stammen as Their New Manager
Like his methods are not, AJ is giving San Diego every opportunity and chance to try to win. He keeps extending the window even when it looks ready to slam shut.
With winter meetings looming, no doubt the Padres organization is happy to have one less aspect to worry about resolving. They have their new manager and can move onto other needs. It will be interesting to see what Preller and company do next. Spend or no? Either way we are sure AJ will make this offseason the kind of sports cinema we all love. Congratulations to Stammen on his new role.
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