In a recent Padres Reacts Survey Poll, the majority of San Diego Padres fans thought it was time for a new hitting coach. It was reported Wednesday that is just what they will get as Victor Rodriguez left
the Padres and joined the Houston Astros as their new hitting coach.
Rodriguez spent two seasons in San Diego and had a solid 2024 season, but the results dropped in 2025, especially in home runs and slugging with the Padres finishing near the bottom of MLB in those categories. It is unknown how much of the hitting philosophy and approach belonged to Rodriguez and how much it belonged to former manager Mike Shildt, but with both leaving the organization this offseason, the offensive identity will be much different in 2026.
The Padres remain one of two teams in MLB, the other being the Colorado Rockies, who have yet to hire a manager. It was thought San Diego would make an announcement at the end of last week or possibly at the beginning of this week, but that has not happened. Even without a manager the Padres’ coaching staff is changing and will certainly change more once a manager is selected or possibly sooner.
There are many questions about the Padres’ roster, the manager and the coaches, and hopefully some answers will come soon.
