Padres’ AJ Preller bets on continuity as pitching coach's future is weighed

San Diego Padres v Washington Nationals | Mitchell Layton/GettyImagesWith Mike Shildt stepping down from his post, the San Diego Padres needed to hire a new manager this offseason after winning 90+ games in back-to-back campaigns for the first time in franchise history.

And yet, even with those lofty expectations in place, A.J. Preller and the front office shocked the world by choosing former Padres reliever Craig Stammen to lead the dugout.

Stammen, who spent the final six seasons of his career as a reliever in the Friars' bullpen, rejoined the organization as an assistant to the major league coaching staff and baseball operations department prior to the 2024 season. However, he hadn't been…