Even as they added help from the outside, the Padres always intended to fortify their bullpen with one of their most reliable arms.
The team on Saturday agreed to a two-year contract with Craig Stammen, the veteran right-hander who led the majors with 56 appearances in high-leverage situations in 2019.
Stammen, who will be 36 in March, agreed to the $9 million deal, which includes a team option for a third season. The agreement was first reported by Robert Murray.
Stammen’s 3.29 ERA in 2019 was the highest of his three seasons with the Padres, and his 4.