Padres Appoint Craig Stammen as New Manager

The San Diego Padres have made a groundbreaking decision by naming Craig Stammen as their new manager. The announcement was made early Thursday morning, marking an unusual yet strategic choice within the organization.

Craig Stammen’s Background

Craig Stammen, age 41, previously served as a relief pitcher for the Padres for six seasons from 2017 until his retirement in March 2023. Over his 12-year major league career, he made significant contributions to the team, earning a commendable ERA of 3.36 across 333 games.

A Leadership Role

During his playing days, Stammen established a leadership presence that is atypical for a middle reliever. He acted as a mentor, garnering respect from teammates, including star player Manny Machado.

Historic Performance

• The Stammen Game: On October 2, 2020, Stammen played a crucial role in a memorable postseason victory against the Cardinals, known among fans as “The Stammen Game.” He pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings in a 4-0 win.

Transition to Management

After retiring, Stammen worked as a special assistant in player development for two years, gaining valuable insights into both minor and major league player dynamics. Despite his lack of coaching or managerial experience, his interviews evidently left a lasting impression on Padres leadership.

Selection Process

The Padres conducted a comprehensive search for their next manager, interviewing four candidates in person after initial Zoom calls. The selection committee, led by chairman John Seidler, A.J. Preller, and Erik Greupner, ultimately favored Stammen over notable figures like Albert Pujols and former player Nick Hundley.

Coaching Staff Changes

While Stammen takes the helm, the Padres are expected to retain most of their existing coaching staff. However, they will be looking for a new hitting coach and a third base coach following departures. Hitting coach Victor Rodriguez has accepted a position with the Astros, and third base coach Tim Leiper has joined the Mets.

Future Outlook

As Stammen steps into this managerial role, he inherits a talented team. The Padres have experienced a record-setting 183 wins over the last two seasons, boasting a strong core of returning players.

• Manny Machado
• Jake Cronenworth
• Yu Darvish
• Adrian Morejón
• Joe Musgrove
• Fernando Tatis Jr.

Stammen’s appointment marks a new chapter in Padres history as the 19th full-time manager, following a pattern of frequent leadership changes since 2019. The fans and the organization will be watching closely to see how Stammen shapes the team’s future.