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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 to 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 manager.
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San Diego Padres relief pitcher Craig Stammen reacts after getting Colorado Rockies’ Brian Serven to ground out to end the ninth inning of a baseball game. The game took place in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 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 Stammen.
“Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade,” Padres general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement.
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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 Aug. 18, 2025. (David Frerker/Imagn Images)
“He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the manager’s chair. As both a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has displayed 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 skipper in the big 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, 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 made the postseason in four of those seasons. Preller hopes that Stammen can help the team ascend to a new level and win a World Series.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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