Craig Stammen Begins First Season as San Diego Padres Manager, Emphasizes Lineup Experimentation and Player Trust

Craig Stammen has begun his first season as the manager of the San Diego Padres, a role he accepted on Nov. 10, 2025. The former pitcher, who spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball—including six years as a reliever with the Padres—signed a three‑year contract that began with the 2026 campaign.

Stammen, 39, was introduced to the San Diego community at Petco Park in a ceremony that highlighted his long association with the club. He had been the de‑facto leader of the Padres’ bullpen during his playing days, a fact that has helped him earn the respect of the current roster. According to a February 9, 2026 article from the San Diego Union‑Tribune, Stammen’s transition from player to manager was described as a “big step” as spring training began.

The new manager has already begun to shape his approach to the team. In a March 23, 2026 interview on MLB.com, Stammen said he was “nervous and excited” about his first spring training. He added that he could relate to the players on a mental level, a perspective he believes will help him guide the squad.

Stammen’s lineup strategy has been described as an ongoing experiment. A Gaslamp Ball analysis notes that he decides where each player will bat based on the pitching matchup and the player’s current hitting trends. The article quotes Stammen saying, “That’s why he’s hitting in the spots in the lineup that he’s normally hitting in,” to explain why the lineup often stays consistent with a player’s usual position.

The Padres have had a mixed record in recent years. As of the 2025 season, the club has recorded 19 winning seasons and has appeared in the postseason six times between 2005 and 2025, but has never reached the World Series. The team is owned by the estate of Peter Seidler, who passed away in 2023.

Stammen’s first days as manager have also involved dealing with player health concerns. After a game, he addressed the status of star first baseman Manny Machado. An article from AOL reported that Stammen said, “Manny’s fine. We took him out as a precaution,” and that the club would evaluate Machado’s condition the following day. A New York Times piece added that Stammen “trusts Manny Machado” and may understand him better than previous managers.

The Padres’ lineup has seen frequent changes under Stammen. Gaslamp Ball noted that Jackson Merrill has been the leadoff hitter for the last seven games, making him the fifth leadoff hitter in the first 41 games of the 2026 season. This fluidity reflects Stammen’s willingness to adjust the batting order to suit each game’s circumstances.

Stammen’s managerial style has drawn comparisons to his time as a player. He has been praised for his friendly demeanor; he is known for greeting reporters with a smile after every game. His approach to player development is grounded in the experience he gained as a pitcher, particularly in the bullpen, where he was known for his leadership.

The 2026 season will test Stammen’s ability to translate his experience into results. The Padres’ roster includes several key contributors, and the team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The San Diego Union‑Tribune has been covering the Padres’ developments, and Kevin Acee’s reporting has highlighted Stammen’s early days in the dugout.

In summary, Craig Stammen’s first season as the San Diego Padres manager is marked by a focus on lineup experimentation, a player‑centric approach, and a willingness to adapt to player health situations. The team’s performance over the course of the 2026 season will determine whether Stammen can build on the Padres’ recent successes and move the franchise closer to a postseason berth.