SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have announced Craig Stammen as their newest manager, making him the team’s fifth in the last eight seasons.

The hire came as a surprise, as Stammen had been serving as an assistant to the Major League coaching staff and baseball operations department. He has agreed to a three-year contract, which is standard for managers under general manager A.J. Preller.

Stammen, a 13-year MLB veteran, spent six of those seasons with the Padres from 2017 to 2022, primarily as a relief pitcher. Now, he takes over the same clubhouse where he once played.

The move follows Mike Shildt’s sudden retirement after the team’s Wild Card loss to the Chicago Cubs. Shildt cited a desire to step back and rest following two demanding seasons in San Diego.

Stammen becomes the sixth manager under Preller, joining Bud Black, Andy Green, Jayce Tingler, Bob Melvin, and Shildt.

Two Major Questions Await Stammen

1. Can He Manage the Personalities in the Clubhouse?

It’s no secret that Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the dominant personalities in the Padres’ locker room. Both are elite players, but both can be challenging to manage at times.

Stammen has a built-in advantage — he played alongside both stars — which gives him familiarity with their personalities. But the true test will come when adversity hits.

Oct 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) and third baseman Manny Machado (13) look on in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Oct 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) and third baseman Manny Machado (13) look on in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium.

Last season, Tatis looked like an MVP candidate early on before hitting a wall midseason and struggling to recover. Meanwhile, Machado bounced back with a strong year, playing 138 games despite multiple nagging injuries.

Both remain defensive standouts, with Tatis capturing the 2025 Gold Glove Award in right field.

2. What Kind of Team Will Preller Give Him?

The Padres’ offseason already features uncertainty.

Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair his UCL.Closer Robert Suarez opted out of his contract and entered free agency.The team picked up Ramón Laureano’s $6.5 million option for 2026.Joe Musgrove is expected to return from Tommy John surgery.Luis Arraez, Michael King, Dylan Cease, and Ryan O’Hearn are all pending free agents.

The roster clearly needs work.

Preller, now in his 11th year leading the Padres, continues to pursue a World Series title through aggressive roster moves — but success has remained elusive.

In 2024, San Diego reached the NLDS against the Dodgers and held a 2–1 series lead before enduring 24 consecutive scoreless innings, swinging the series back in L.A.’s favor. The Dodgers went on to win the World Series while the Padres were left searching for answers.

In 2025, San Diego finished 90–72 with one of baseball’s best bullpens and a dominant record at Petco Park, though they remained inconsistent on the road.

The Hiring Process

Other finalists for the job included Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, Padres pitching coach Rubén Niebla, and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.

Stammen’s familiarity with the organization likely worked in his favor. Having been in the clubhouse as both a player and staff member, he already understands the team’s dynamics and expectations.

Now, he steps into the spotlight as the club’s new leader.

Oct 17, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller speaks on the phone during NLCS workouts at Petco Park.

Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Oct 17, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller speaks on the phone during NLCS workouts at Petco Park.

Preller’s Managerial Track Record

This marks Preller’s third first-year manager out of five hires (Bud Black being the only one he did not hire).

First-year managers under Preller have combined for a 390–472 record across six seasons, while veteran managers Bob Melvin and Mike Shildt combined for a 354–294 record.

That contrast underscores the challenge Stammen faces — to bring stability and success to a franchise that’s been searching for both.

The Spotlight Awaits

There’s still much unknown about what kind of manager Craig Stammen will be, but one thing is certain: all eyes are on him.

A.J. Preller and the Padres have made their choice, and Petco Park’s spotlights are shining on the former reliever as San Diego continues its pursuit of a long-awaited World Series championship.