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The San Diego Padres have hired former reliever Craig Stammen as their new manager in an unconventional move.
Stammen, 41, ended his playing career in August 2023 and spent the last two seasons as an assistant on the Major League coaching staff. He has no prior managerial experience at any level of the sport.
Stammen replaces Mike Shildt, who retired in October after two years as coach.
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San Diego Padres relief pitcher Craig Stammen reacts after Brian Serven of the Colorado Rockies grounded out to end the ninth inning of a baseball game. The game took place in Denver, Colorado on September 24, 2022. (David Zalubowski, File/AP Photo)
Shildt led two successful seasons with the Padres, winning 93 and 90 games and reaching the postseason both years, but cited exhaustion and exhaustion when announcing his departure.
The Padres interviewed MLB great Albert Pujols, former catcher Nick Hundley and veteran pitching coach Rubén Niebla before selecting Stammen.
“Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade,” Padres general manager AJ Preller said in a statement.
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San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt (8) returns to the dugout after being ejected by home plate umpire James Hoye during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on August 18, 2025. (David Frerker/Image Images)
“He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the coaching position. Both as a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has demonstrated 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.”
Stammen is the Padres’ fifth full-time manager since 2016 and the only captain in the majors who was a pitcher.
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Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres smiles as he walks to his dugout during a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Diego, California, on October 5, 2022. (Derrick Tuskan/AP Photo)
He pitched seven seasons for the Washington Nationals and six more for the Padres during his playing career, serving as a reliever in all but his first two major league seasons. Stammen, an Ohio native known for his efficient sinker, ranks fifth in Padres history with 333 appearances for the club.
The Padres have a winning record in five of the last six seasons and made the postseason in four of those seasons. Preller hopes Stammen can help the team ascend to a new level and win a World Series.
