San Diego Padres Name Craig Stammen as New Manager

The San Diego Padres have officially named Craig Stammen as their new manager, a decision made public on October 5th, 2022. Stammen, a former relief pitcher for the Padres, has signed a three-year contract with the team.

At 41 years old, he is well-acquainted with the Padres organization after spending six seasons with them from 2017 to 2022, following a prior seven-year stint with the Washington Nationals. During his playing career, Stammen appeared in 562 games, including 43 starts, compiling a solid 55-44 record with a 3.66 earned run average and six saves.

Notably, one of his most memorable performances occurred on October 2, 2020, when he pitched as an opener in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series, contributing to a 4-0 victory that marked the franchise's first postseason series win since 1998.

His involvement with the team did not end with his retirement; since March 2023, he has been working as a special assistant in the player development department, focusing on both established major leaguers and minor league prospects.

Stammen takes over managerial duties from Mike Shildt, who retired after a season in which the Padres posted a 183-141 record and secured back-to-back playoff berths. Under Shildt, the team faced challenges in the postseason, falling in the NL Wild Card Series in 2025 and the NL Division Series in 2024.

Stammen's hiring marks him as the fifth first-time MLB manager appointed this offseason, joining a list that includes Blake Butera with the Nationals, Tony Vitello with the Giants, Kurt Suzuki with the Angels, and Craig Albernaz with the Orioles.

The Padres are aiming for a fresh direction under Stammen's leadership as they look to rebound from a disappointing season and capitalize on their talented roster, which includes former teammates like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.