New Padres Manager Craig Stammen Finalizes Bulky Coaching Staff

[Steve Drumwright]

When selecting his inaugural coaching staff, Craig Stammen mixed a good chunk of the old group with a handful of newcomers. The new San Diego Padres manager finalized his 18-member coaching staff, which was announced on Dec. 17.

Stammen replaced Mike Shildt, who resigned immediately after the season with two years left on his contract. Shildt has since landed a job in the Baltimore Orioles' organization. The former Friars skipper led the Padres to two playoff appearances and had a 16-member staff in 2025. Stammen, a former MLB reliever including six years with the Padres, has no previous managerial experience, but has been in the organization for 10 years, including in a variety of baseball operations roles since his playing days came to an end.

While it was known that Ruben Niebla, a finalist for the job Stammen got, was returning for his fifth season as the Padres' pitching coach, he received the additional title of associate manager.

Interestingly, Stammen also named a bench coach from outside the building. That job went to Randy Knorr, a former MLB catcher who had a variety of roles, including minor-league manager, in the Washington Nationals' organization since 2008 until being let go after the 2025 season.

The other key hire is Steven Souza Jr. as hitting coach. Souza was an MLB outfielder who retired during the 2022 season. This is his first coaching role, although he did spend 2025 as a special assistant with the Tampa Bay Rays. Helping Souza with will be Mike McCoy and Pat O'Sullivan, who both return as assistant hitting coaches. Raul Padron will be the hitting instructor.

Ben Fritz is back as bullpen coach, as is Chris Apecechea as assistant pitching coach and Peter Summerville as game planning and pitching strategist. Herberto Andrade sticks around as the bullpen catcher and assistant coach. Kevin Plawecki joins the staff as the catching coach.

In the coaching boxes, Bob Henley takes over at third base and David Macias at first base, also adding outfield and baserunning instructor duties to his résumé. Vinny Lopez will also be an outfield and baserunning instructor. as well as field coordinator.

Nick Punto is also a new addition, becoming the infield coach, with Ryan Goins joining as infield instructor. Allen Craig and A.J. Ellis will be special assistants to the major-league staff and baseball operations.

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