The San Diego Padres made a move that turned some heads this week, bringing back a familiar face in a new role. Former manager Bud Black is rejoining the organization - not in the dugout, but in the front office as an advisor.
The timing is significant, as Craig Stammen prepares to take on the challenge of managing at the big-league level for the first time. And now, he’ll have a seasoned voice in his corner.
A Proven Baseball Mind Returns to San Diego
Bud Black’s name still carries weight in San Diego, and for good reason. He’s the second-winningest manager in Padres history, racking up 649 victories during his tenure from 2007 to 2015. While his time with the Friars didn’t include a postseason appearance, it wasn’t without drama or memorable moments - including that infamous 2007 Wild Card game against the Rockies, a game that still sparks debate in San Diego over whether Matt Holliday ever actually touched home plate.
Black’s 2010 squad seemed destined for October, holding a 6.5-game lead in the NL West in August, only to see it slip away down the stretch. Even with the collapse, Black’s leadership was recognized when he was named NL Manager of the Year that offseason - a nod to the respect he commanded around the league.
After his Padres stint, Black took over in Colorado, managing the Rockies from 2017 through 2025. He led them to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018, helping guide a franchise that has historically struggled with consistency. Now, after nearly two decades managing in the big leagues, Black shifts into a new chapter - one that could prove just as impactful behind the scenes.
A Mentor for a Manager-in-Waiting
Craig Stammen is set to make the leap from front office executive to field manager, and while he brings years of experience as a player, he’s stepping into uncharted waters. That’s where Black’s presence becomes especially valuable.
This isn’t about grooming a successor or angling for another shot in the dugout. Black is here to support, to advise, and to help Stammen find his footing.
Managing a big-league team isn’t just about bullpen matchups and lineup cards. It’s about handling personalities, responding to slumps, and navigating the relentless grind of a 162-game season.
Few know that terrain better than Bud Black.
Stammen, who’s never managed at any professional level, now has a sounding board with nearly two decades of in-game decision-making under his belt. Whether it’s strategizing for late-inning matchups, managing a clubhouse, or simply understanding when to push and when to pull back, Black offers a wealth of perspective.
A Career Built on Experience
Black’s baseball résumé is as deep as it is diverse. Before his managerial days, he served as a special assistant to the general manager in Cleveland during the mid-to-late '90s, and again with the Angels in 2016. But his most influential non-managerial role came as the Angels’ pitching coach from 2000 to 2006, where he helped lead a staff that was instrumental in winning the 2002 World Series.
And let’s not forget his 15-year playing career, where he logged 121 wins across five different franchises. That kind of longevity - both on the mound and in the dugout - doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of a deep understanding of the game and an ability to connect with players across generations.
A Strategic Addition at the Right Time
For the Padres, this move is about more than nostalgia. It’s about surrounding a first-time manager with the right voices. And in Bud Black, they’ve added someone who’s seen it all - the highs, the heartbreaks, the rebuilds, and the playoff pushes.
Whether it’s helping Stammen build a lineup, navigate a losing streak, or simply talk through the daily challenges of managing a major league club, Black’s insight will be invaluable. He’s not here to take over. He’s here to help - and that kind of mentorship could make all the difference as the Padres turn the page to a new era.