Veteran Pitcher Stammen Takes Over as Padres Manager

In a significant move, the San Diego Padres have appointed former relief pitcher Craig Stammen as their new manager. Stammen, who retired from his playing career with the Padres in August 2023, has been given a 3-year contract to take on his first managerial role at any level.

The 41-year-old Stammen spent last season as an assistant to the Padres' major league coaching staff and the team's baseball operations department led by general manager A.J. Preller. He now steps into the top job, replacing Mike Shildt, who retired on October 13th after just two seasons at the helm.

Under Shildt's leadership, the Padres enjoyed their most successful stretch in franchise history, winning at least 90 games and making the playoffs in both of his seasons. However, Shildt cited burnout and exhaustion as the reasons for his departure, opening the door for Stammen's promotion.

The Padres conducted a thorough search process, interviewing several candidates including Albert Pujols and Nick Hundley, before ultimately deciding on Stammen to lead the team going forward. With stars like Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado, the Padres are poised to continue their recent run of success, though Preller faces some key roster decisions in the coming weeks.