The San Diego Padres have hired former relief pitcher Craig Stammen as their next manager. The team announced a three-year contract with Stammen, marking a surprising transition from the bullpen to the dugout for the retired player. Notably, this decision comes just weeks after Mike Shildt retired, citing the “severe toll” of the job.

Craig Stammen’s playing career and journey with Padres

Craig Stammen, a right-handed reliever, enjoyed a solid 13-year MLB career. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2005, he spent his first seven seasons there before signing with the Padres as a free agent in 2017. From 2017 to 2022, Stammen became a reliable arm in San Diego’s bullpen, known for his durability and leadership.

He retired in 2023 after a shoulder injury derailed his spring training. During his time with the Padres, Stammen earned respect for his on-field performance and off-field contributions. He was the team’s 2022 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing humanitarian efforts. In 2017, he received the Padres Chairman’s Award for community work, and in 2020, he represented MLB for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.

Stammen’s deep ties to the organization didn’t end with retirement. He quickly transitioned into a front-office role as special assistant to the major league staff and baseball operations.

The 2026 season will be his third in this capacity, making his jump to manager a natural progression for someone already embedded in the Padres’ culture.

Why the Padres chose Craig Stammen as manager

Padres president of baseball operations and general manager AJ Preller praised Stammen’s fit for the role. “Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade,” Preller said. “He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the Manager’s chair. As both a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has displayed an ability to elevate those around him. His strength of character, competitive nature, and talent for bringing people together make him the ideal choice to lead the Padres.”

The Padres interviewed candidates like Texas Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, pitching coach Ruben Niebla, and even future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. Yet, they selected a former reliever who understands the franchise inside out.

This hire marks Stammen as the sixth full-time manager under Preller, following Bud Black, Andy Green, Jayce Tingler, Bob Melvin, and Shildt. Preller, entering the final year of his contract, is betting on internal familiarity to steer the team.

What this means for Padres’ future and the 2026 season

The Padres are chasing their first World Series title. They have reached the playoffs in three of the last four years but fell short in 2025, losing to the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card round’s Game 3. With stars like Yu Darvish sidelined for 2026 due to UCL surgery, Stammen will face immediate challenges.

His experience as a player and coach could foster unity in a talented but star-heavy roster.