According to multiple reports, the San Diego Padres have hired former reliever Craig Stammen as their newest manager. He replaces Mike Shilldt, who retired at the conclusion of this season.

Shildt is also a former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. Stammen's hiring means that another former Cardinal, Albert Pujols, will not be getting the job in San Diego.

There is one job still open, the Colorado Rockies, and there has been no connection between Pujols and Colorado thus far.

About Craig Stammen

This is a truly stunning hire by the Padres, as we had heard little-to-mention of Stammen in connection to this opportunity. He had been serving as a special assistant to the GM, but he has no on-field managerial experience.

A 13-year big-league veteran, he played for the Washington Nationals and Padres, ending his career after the 2022 season. He was 55-44 lifetime with a 3.66 ERA. He made 562 appearances.

Other jobs that have been filled

The Los Angeles Angels hired Kurt Suzuki, while the Minnesota Twins hired Derek Shelton. The Baltimore Orioles have hired Craig Albernaz and the Texas Rangers brought in Skip Schumaker. The Giants hired Tony Vitello from the college ranks while the Nationals hired former catcher Blake Butera. The Braves hired Walt Weiss.

Pujols's managerial chops

Pujols has spoken about wanting to become a major league manager in the past. He's already managed in the Dominican Winter League and is scheduled to manage the Dominican team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Presuming he doesn't get the Colorado job surprisingly, he'll still be able to keep that job.

The Dominican team should be one of the strongest rosters at the WBC, with players like Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Rafael Devers and Manny Machado all eligible to participate.

Could Pujols have been a fit for the Cardinals?

Potentially, but the managerial job was not open. New chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom elected to bring back Oli Marmol. The Cardinals have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, and have finished under .500 for two of those, but Marmol returns. Perhaps Bloom didn't want to position himself with a franchise icon, knowing that would create a dynamic where he couldn't win any battles with the fanbase, and potentially ownership. 

They also may not have wanted to put Pujols through a rebuild, which they are about to embark upon.