The San Diego Padres have hired Craig Stammen as their next manager on a three-year deal.

Stammen was a relief pitcher for 12 MLB seasons including from 2017 until 2022 with the Padres. Stammen served as a special assistant in the player development department over the past two seasons with the Padres. 

Stammen has never coached or managed previously at any level though none of the four candidates the Padres brought in for in-person interviews had experience as well. The Padres also considered Albert Pujols, Nick Hundley and Ruben Niebla.

Stammen replaces Mike Shields who retired in October.