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The San Diego Padres hired former reliever Craig Stammen to be their new manager, in an unconventional move.
Stammen, 41, ended his playing career in August 2023 and spent the past two seasons as an assistant on the league’s coaching staff. He has no previous managerial experience at any level of the sport.
Stamm replaces Mike Shildt, who retired in October after two years as manager.
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San Diego Padres relief pitcher Craig Stammen reacts after getting Colorado Rockies’ Brian Serven to strike 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 making the postseason both years, but cited burnout and exhaustion when he announced his departure.
The Padres interviewed MLB great Albert Pujols, former catcher Nick Hundley and longtime pitching coach Ruben Niebla before selecting the Tribe.
“Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade,” Padres general manager AJ Preller said in a statement.
PADRES PLAYERS HELD BACK AFTER CONFRONTING UMPIRS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL SEASON-ENDING LOSS TO CUBS
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt (8) walks back 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/Imagn Images)
“He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the manager’s chair. Both as a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has demonstrated an ability to lift 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 skipper in the major leagues who was a former pitcher.
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San Diego Padres’ Craig Stammen smiles as he walks toward his dugout during a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Diego, California on Oct. 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 for all but his first two big league seasons. An Ohio native known for his effective sinker, Stamm 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 reached the postseason in four of those seasons. Preller hopes the Tribe can help the team rise to a new level and win a World Series.
