The San Diego Padres had a busy first week of the official start of the offseason. The franchise hired Craig Stammen as its next field manager and is close to a contract extension agreement with A.J. Preller.
But their next hire could be the biggest of the offseason, as the team’s next bench coach could have a significant impact on the success of the Padres in 2026.
Preller must be open to hiring a “baseball lifer” with prior managerial experience. Choosing a bench coach with a lengthy resume will help Stammen make the leap from baseball executive to major league manager. However, you never want to hire a “yes man” because he aligns with the organization’s philosophy.
The role of the bench coach
An experienced bench coach serves as a knowledgeable, trusted sounding board for first-time managers. Often, one of their responsibilities is to remind them of the options available during key in-game situations. But a good bench coach questions every move, as they’re providing a lesson in how to make decisions, while under the intense pressure associated with managing a highly contested game.
Another characteristic you want in a bench coach is having a strong rapport with the players inside the locker room. Managers need this type of liaison, as it is tough for any skipper to keep players’ egos in check for an entire season. Understanding clubhouse dynamics is vital for first-time managers to earn a team’s trust and foster a cohesive work environment.
Based on their experience, a bench coach can be instrumental in creating a Spring Training schedule that ensures the players remain active and engaged. Additionally, they can assist in deciphering scouting reports that help make adjustments to situational hitting, pitching approach, and defensive alignments during games. The bench coach may suggest lineup changes or using a reliever in a specific situation.
If the first-season manager gets ejected from the game, the team has an experienced person ready to take the reins.
Stammen needs assistance to be successful
Stammen has a tough task ahead as a first-year manager. He must adjust from being a former teammate to the Friars’ new leader. Yes, they were once equals, but that is no longer the case.
The role of a manager presents a distinct set of responsibilities that changes the nature of relationships with former teammates. For Stammen, building a strong bond with the players is crucial for his success. An experienced bench coach helps navigate through these new challenges, allowing Stammen to become a trusted voice within the clubhouse.
Every managerial hire comes with some uncertainty and risks. The Padres interviewed several quality candidates, but Preller is banking on Stammen to succeed.
To ensure this will happen, hire an experienced bench coach. If not, we will revisit this conversation.
