The San Diego Padres walked off the 2025 season with more questions than answers. After a disappointing Wild Card exit-dropping two of three to the Chicago Cubs-the team faced another curveball: manager Mike Shildt stepped away just 11 days later, citing mental, physical, and emotional burnout. Not long after, he resurfaced in a different role with the Baltimore Orioles, joining their player development department.
Shildt’s departure didn’t come without some turbulence. Behind the scenes, there were murmurs-now confirmed-about friction with coaching staffs and front offices, a pattern that reportedly followed him from his previous managerial stop. His press conferences often reflected that tension, with a short fuse that didn’t go unnoticed.
Still, Shildt’s on-field results were hard to argue with. In two seasons at the helm, he led the Padres to back-to-back 90-win campaigns.
Players spoke highly of him, praising his loyalty and the sense that he always had their backs. But even with success in the standings, the internal strain clearly took its toll.
The atmosphere wasn’t sustainable.
Enter Craig Stammen.
The longtime Padres reliever turned manager was tapped by president of baseball operations A.J. Preller-likely in part because of the familiarity and steady presence Stammen brings.
He’s not just a known quantity; he’s a known calming force. In a clubhouse filled with talent and expectations, that matters.
A New Chapter, A New Voice
So what’s next for the Padres under Stammen? What does the former pitcher bring to the dugout that could help this team finally take the leap from contender to champion?
At his first Spring Training press conference, Stammen didn’t launch into a lecture on analytics or strategy. Instead, he leaned into the human side of the game-then mixed in a little humor.
“Score as many runs as possible, that would be a good philosophy,” he said with a grin. But then he got serious.
“We’re going to talk about hard work, we’re going to talk about togetherness, and we’re going to talk about adding days together that add up to a big picture. Being really good at the small things, being ‘extraordinary at the ordinary’-if you want some buzzwords. Those are the things I believe in.”
It’s a message that echoes some of what Shildt preached-winning on the margins-but with a tone that suggests a more collaborative, less rigid approach. And if you listen to new hitting coach Steven Souza, the offensive philosophy is getting a refresh, too.
Souza’s Offensive Outlook
Souza, a former big leaguer himself, brings a pragmatic mindset to a lineup that has plenty of firepower but struggled to consistently tap into it last season.
“First of all, it’s nice to have a talented roster like this,” Souza said. “You’re only as good as the players you have and the culture you create.”
He emphasized the importance of controlling the strike zone, punishing mistakes, and forcing pitchers to adjust-core principles that can anchor any successful offense.
“Create traffic,” he added. “That’s a huge part of the success going forward.”
Souza acknowledged that power numbers were down last year, but he’s not looking to force a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he wants to build a dialogue with hitters-help them unlock their best versions based on the situation, the ballpark, and their own strengths.
“The offense needs to be able to play the game that we need to play,” he said. “Hitting in Petco Park might mean spraying the ball around, but a different environment would call for more slug.”
That adaptability is key. Souza made it clear he doesn’t want to box this roster into one identity. It’s about flexibility, communication, and creating space for players to be themselves.
A Clubhouse Built on Connection
If there’s a theme emerging from this new era of Padres baseball, it’s communication. And that’s not just lip service.
At Padres FanFest on Jan. 31, players were quick to praise the hire of Stammen-not just as a baseball mind, but as a person they already know and trust.
Jake Cronenworth didn’t hold back: “What an amazing guy… a mentor and an incredible human to be around. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Veteran pitcher Joe Musgrove echoed that sentiment, pointing to Stammen’s existing relationships as a huge advantage.
“The manager’s biggest goal is to have a happy clubhouse and a good relationship with the players,” Musgrove said. “He’s coming in already ahead of the game in that aspect, having played with us.
I think the communication is going to be a lot freer and a lot more open, a little bit of honesty. And I think Craig’s the kind of guy that’s not looking for praise-he’s not looking to be the hero that comes in and always makes the right decision.”
That kind of leadership-humble, grounded, and player-first-can go a long way over the grind of a 162-game season.
What Comes Next
There’s still a long runway before Opening Day, and plenty of decisions to be made along the way. But the early signs point to a Padres team looking to blend talent with trust, strategy with communication.
If Craig Stammen and his staff can tap into that formula-if they can turn the page from last season’s tension and build something more sustainable-the Padres may finally be ready to turn potential into postseason magic.
And if that happens, Petco Park is going to be rocking in 2026.