The San Diego Padres will look dramatically different in 2026. Longtime pitcher and fan favorite Craig Stammen now takes over as manager, following the sudden retirement of Mike Shildt. Stammen, who spent years as a respected clubhouse presence, steps into a pivotal role as the franchise attempts to reset after a frustrating end to the 2025 campaign.
Last season’s abrupt postseason exit at the hands of the Chicago Cubs left the organization searching for answers. The Padres had assembled one of the league’s most talented rosters, yet inconsistency plagued both the lineup and the pitching staff. Their early elimination reinforced the sense that structural changes — both in leadership and personnel — were necessary to get the team back on track.
Stammen’s appointment signals a shift toward stability and accountability. Known for his analytical mindset and steady temperament, he inherits a roster with considerable promise but significant uncertainty on the mound. The absence of veteran ace Yu Darvish for the entirety of 2026 due to injury looms large over the club’s pitching plans.
Even so, there are bright spots. Two key arms — starter Joe Musgrove and reliever Jason Adam — are on track to return from major injuries. Their recoveries could dictate whether the Padres return to contention or face another year of inconsistency.
Musgrove’s Comeback Sets the Tone
Joe Musgrove’s impending return could prove to be one of the most important developments for San Diego in 2026. The right-hander missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, leaving a significant void in the rotation. Known for his work ethic and leadership, Musgrove has spent the past year focused on rehabilitation and conditioning to ensure he can handle a full workload upon his return.
When healthy, Musgrove has been one of the Padres’ most reliable starters. His combination of command, pitch movement, and durability helped anchor the rotation during San Diego’s 2022 and 2023 playoff runs. The team’s medical staff remains optimistic that he will be ready to contribute early in the 2026 campaign, though his innings will likely be managed in the first half of the season.
Stammen has emphasized the importance of easing Musgrove back gradually. “Joe’s competitive fire is what defines him,” the manager told reporters. “We want him back at full strength — not just fast, but for the long haul.” That long-term mindset could help prevent setbacks and stabilize a rotation already stretched thin.
With Darvish sidelined, Musgrove’s presence will carry even more weight. His leadership both on and off the mound is expected to play a key role in setting the tone for a young pitching corps still learning to navigate the challenges of a full major league season.
Jason Adam’s Rehab Offers Hope for the Bullpen
While the starting rotation faces questions, the bullpen is undergoing changes of its own. All-Star reliever Jason Adam, one of baseball’s premier right-handed arms, is working his way back from a ruptured quadriceps suffered late last season. The injury occurred just after the trade deadline, derailing what had been a dominant campaign for the veteran setup man.
Adam recently updated reporters on his progress, saying there’s a “chance” he’ll be ready for Opening Day. If not, he expects to return early in the season. The Padres have been cautious but optimistic about his timeline, recognizing his importance to the bullpen’s overall structure.
Before the injury, Adam was enjoying a career-best season. He posted a 1.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and was on pace for a personal-best 81 strikeouts, finishing with a 2.4 WAR despite missing the final stretch. His precision and ability to miss bats made him a critical part of one of MLB’s most formidable late-inning groups.
If Adam returns to form, he will join Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller to form the foundation of San Diego’s relief corps. Together, that trio could restore the dominance that defined the bullpen before injuries and attrition took their toll in 2025.
A Season Defined by Resilience and Renewal
Beyond individual comebacks, the Padres’ 2026 campaign will be defined by how effectively the team integrates its returning stars under new leadership. Stammen’s first year as manager presents both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to reestablish the culture that once made the Padres one of baseball’s most feared teams.
The front office has made it clear that health and consistency will be top priorities. With a balanced core that includes Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, San Diego’s offense remains potent enough to support its evolving pitching staff. The question will be whether the rotation and bullpen can match that energy.
Stammen’s experience as a former pitcher could prove invaluable in managing workloads and maintaining morale through the inevitable ups and downs of a 162-game season. His focus on preparation, communication, and accountability has already drawn praise from players within the clubhouse.
The Padres’ margin for error is slim, but the potential reward is immense. If Musgrove and Adam regain their form and the team adapts to Stammen’s leadership, San Diego could quickly reassert itself as a contender in the National League West.
