Will Craig Stammen succeed as the new manager of the San Diego Padres?
Padres Name Craig Stammen as New Manager in Surprise Hire
Craig Stammen, the former MLB pitcher, has been named the new manager of the San Diego Padres. The announcement came on November 6, 2025, marking Stammen’s first foray into managing at the professional level. He spent much of his playing career as a reliable reliever with the Washington Nationals and Padres, retiring after the 2022 season with a 3.66 career ERA. The hiring surprised many across baseball, as Stammen has no previous managerial or coaching experience at the pro level. However, insiders suggest the Padres were drawn to his leadership, clubhouse respect, and deep familiarity with the team’s culture. With a three-year contract now in place, the Padres are betting on Stammen’s ability to transition from the bullpen to the bench. Fans and analysts are split on whether this bold move will pay off.
Options
- Yes — he knows the team inside out
- Maybe — depends on his coaching staff
- No — too inexperienced for the role
- Too early to say