The Padres announced on Thursday morning that they've hired former Padres reliever Craig Stammen as their next manager to replace Mike Shildt, who retired following the 2025 season. Stammen has worked for the Padres as a special assistant in the player development department for the last two years. Stammen famously started the Padres' win or go home Game 3 playoff game against the Cardinals in the pandemic-shortened season as an opener, a game the Padres would go on to win. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Stammen has received a 3-year deal.
Ben Higgins and Sam Levitt reacted to the breaking news once it was announced: