Padres' Craig Stammen Earns Surprising Finish in NL Manager of the Year Voting

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen didn't win the National League Manager of the Year award, but his first season in charge earned more recognition than many might have expected.

Stammen finished fourth in the 2026 voting announced Tuesday, receiving two first-place votes and 24 total points.

That left him just one point behind Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly, who finished third with 25 points despite receiving only one first-place vote.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy won the award for the third consecutive season, becoming the first manager in MLB history to accomplish that feat.

Murphy received 20 first-place votes and 124 points, while Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss finished second with 86 points.

The official MLB announcement confirmed the results, which were determined by Baseball Writers' Association of America voting conducted before the postseason.

For Stammen, the fourth-place finish represents a notable achievement following an unconventional transition into managing.

The former Padres reliever took over after Mike Shildt's retirement after the 2025 season.

Stammen had never managed at any professional level before receiving the opportunity.

His appointment initially raised questions about whether a former relief pitcher without traditional managerial experience could successfully lead a major league clubhouse.

Stammen also brought a different approach to the dugout.

Early in the season, he experimented extensively with San Diego's batting order, demonstrating a willingness to adjust combinations rather than settle immediately on a fixed lineup.

The Padres ultimately reached the National League Division Series, where their season ended against Murphy's Brewers.

Milwaukee went on to win the franchise's first World Series championship, providing additional context for Murphy's overwhelming support among voters.

Stammen's recognition also comes at an important time for San Diego.

The Padres enter the offseason facing significant roster decisions, particularly regarding their starting rotation and several potential free-agent departures.

General manager A.J. Preller and Stammen have already discussed the club's offseason priorities, including pitching concerns and the expected return of much of the coaching staff.

Although Stammen wasn't among the three announced finalists, his two first-place votes demonstrate that his debut season attracted attention beyond San Diego.

Finishing only one point behind Mattingly also gives the Padres manager a notable distinction heading into his second season.

The challenge now will be building on that recognition while navigating another potentially demanding offseason.