Overview
- Stammen was formally introduced as the Padres’ 20th manager at Petco Park, becoming the club’s first skipper whose playing career was primarily in the bullpen.
- He takes the job with no prior coaching or managerial experience, a move A.J. Preller defended by pointing to Stammen’s leadership and deep familiarity with the clubhouse.
- Calling the task a big learning curve, Stammen said he plans to lean heavily on Niebla in pitching decisions as the staff explores an expanded role for the veteran coach.
- After retiring in 2023, Stammen worked as a special assistant across player development and baseball operations and even sat on manager interview panels before being recruited for the job.
- He replaces Mike Shildt, who retired in October citing burnout, and he set his objective as delivering the franchise’s first World Series title.