"Soon to be fired"; "Looks like a loser already" - Padres fans show no faith in Padres' new skipper Craig Stammen

The San Diego Padres officially introduced Craig Stammen as their new manager this week, but not all fans are on board with the hire.

The team’s social media post announcing his arrival, with caption “Skip’s on the scene 👋,” drew an immediate wave of criticism and sarcasm from fans still skeptical about the organization’s direction.

The 41-year-old Stammen, who pitched six seasons for San Diego before retiring in 2023, agreed to a three-year deal to become the team’s next skipper.

He had spent the previous two years in the front office, serving as a special assistant in player development, and working extensively with minor leaguers, often serving as a mentor to younger pitchers. That connection did little to placate many fans who wondered whether the Padres had made the proper choice.

“Soon to be fired,” a fan wrote. “Looks like a loser already, a true Padre 🤩,” another fan said. “Stammen didn’t even want the job lol,” one fan commented. “Whatever. Horrible choice!!!” another fan wrote. “It would be really funny if he showed up to opening day wearing the exact same outfit,” one fan tweeted. “Wish he wasn’t,” another fan wrote.

Stammen outlines leadership plan and credits A.J. Preller’s trust and Ruben Niebla’s influence

Newly appointed Padres manager Craig Stammen says his leadership style will rely on trust, familiarity, and accountability qualities shaped during his six seasons in San Diego’s clubhouse.

At his introductory press conference, Craig admitted managing wasn’t something he’d planned.

“You sit on the plane with Manny (Machado), Hos (Eric Hosmer), Will Myers, and Ian Kinsler, and they’d say, ‘Stam, you’d be alright at that,’” Stammen recalled. “I guess that’s where the idea started.”

General manager A.J. Preller said Stammen’s name quickly surfaced once the managerial search began, citing his competitiveness and leadership qualities as key factors.

“He’s an elite competitor, incredibly hard worker, and a natural leader,” Preller said. “Craig understands what this clubhouse needs and how to get the best out of his players.”

Stammen, who retired in 2023 following a 13-year major league career, said he took the time to think about the offer before accepting.

“When A.J. called and asked me to consider it, I wasn’t sure at first,” Stammen said. “But after talking with my family, it felt right. I’ve always loved being part of a team and helping others perform at their best.”

The rest of the coaching staff will be finalized over the next few weeks as Stammen gets settled, but for now, the former reliever is focused on bringing structure and stability to a talented Padres roster still chasing its first World Series championship.

Edited by Shubham Soni