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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 past two seasons as an assistant on the major league coaching staff. He has no prior management experience at any level of the sport.
Stammen 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 throwing out the Colorado Rockies’ Brian Serven to end the ninth inning of a baseball game. The match took place in Denver, Colorado on September 24, 2022. (David Zalubowski, AP file/photo)
Shildt had two successful seasons with the Padres, winning 93 and 90 games and making the playoffs 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 Stammen.
“Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade,” Padres general manager AJ Preller said in a statement.
PADRES PLAYERS RETAINED AFTER CONFRONTING REFEREES FOLLOWING CONTROVERSIAL SEASON-END LOSS TO CUBS
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/Imagn Images)
“He has deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the manager’s position. As a player and during his post-playing career, Craig has demonstrated an ability to uplift 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 major league skipper to be a former 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 for all but his first two seasons in the big leagues. An Ohio native known for his effective sinker, Stammen is fifth in Padres history with 333 appearances for the club.
The Padres have a winning record in five of the last six seasons and have made the playoffs in four of those seasons. Preller hopes Stammen can help the team reach a new level and win a World Series.
