Padres hire Craig Stammen as new skipper despite zero professional managerial experience

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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 the Colorado Rockies’ Brian Serven to ground out to end the ninth inning in Denver, Colo., 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 he 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 walks 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 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