New San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen made his first appearance at the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings on Monday. He met with reporters during his main media session and also did interviews with MLB Network, MLB’s SiriusXM channel, and Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan, the Padres’ flagship station.
Stammen began his availability with a general press conference, fielding questions about the pitching staff, offseason plans, and how the team will navigate Spring Training with the World Baseball Classic approaching.
The Winter Meetings officially kicked off Sunday with the Hall of Fame announcement, where Jeff Kent was the lone player selected by the Contemporary Era Committee.
Monday marked the first full day of activity, with all teams holding meetings and speaking with MLB Network and other outlets.
General Media Session
Craig Stammen’s opening press conference clarified the organization’s stance on converting relievers into starters. He revealed that the Padres spoke with Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon and plan to keep both in the bullpen for now, noting that the players themselves prefer that role. Stammen and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller emphasized the bullpen as a key team strength they don’t want to weaken. Both Miller and Morejon have dealt with injuries as starters but stayed healthy in relief, which factors into the decision.
Stammen also confirmed that David Morgan will remain in the bullpen for 2026, saying the team wants to see continued growth from him before considering a role change.
Trip to the Dominican Republic
Stammen discussed his recent visit to the Dominican Republic, where he spent time with Fernando Tatis Jr., Ramón Laureano, Randy Vasquez, and Wandy Peralta. He hit with Tatis and had dinner prepared by Tatis’ chef. He was impressed with Vasquez’s intense offseason training and enthusiasm for 2026. The group also toured the Padres’ Dominican development facility and watched Luis Campusano compete for Tigres del Licey.
WBC and Spring Training
With the World Baseball Classic scheduled for March 2026, the Padres expect to lose several players early in Spring Training. Stammen mentioned Manny Machado and Tatis likely joining the Dominican Republic team, and said he hopes other players—specifically naming Jackson Merrill—step into leadership roles during their absence.
In past WBCs, Machado and Tatis have played for the DR, while Xander Bogaerts has represented the Netherlands. Due to injury, Yu Darvish will not play for Japan this time and will remain with the Padres.
Yu Darvish
When asked about expectations for Darvish in 2026, Stammen noted Darvish’s close relationship with Randy Vasquez and expects that bond to continue. He sees Darvish as an important mentor to the pitching staff while he rehabs from UCL surgery.
MLB Network Interview
During his TV appearance, Stammen described his previous role as a special assistant. He worked in player development, mentored pitchers throughout the minor leagues, and did on-field coaching. After working with players, he regularly joined Preller to watch games and discuss various aspects of team performance. Stammen believes his recent playing experience gives him better insight into what players face and improves communication.
A.J. Preller with Sammy Levitt
In an interview with Sam Levitt of 97.3 FM, Preller reiterated plans to keep Miller, Morejon, and Morgan in the bullpen, again pointing to the unit’s strength. As usual, Preller remains open to all trade discussions and likes to gauge how other clubs value Padres players while laying groundwork for future moves.
Preller highlighted the scouting and acquisition of Jeremiah Estrada and Eduarniel Nunez, players they believed were undervalued elsewhere, and connected that success to the signings of Ty Adcock and Daison Acosta to major league deals despite limited MLB experience. He said those additions, along with Kyle Hart, help reinforce their bullpen depth.
Stammen with Levitt
In a separate interview with Levitt, Stammen talked about Fernando Tatis Jr.’s health, noting that Tatis is having a normal offseason rather than rehabbing injuries, which should set him up for a stronger 2026. He again praised Randy Vasquez’s offseason work. Stammen also discussed building team chemistry during Spring Training despite players leaving for the WBC, stressing the importance of communication and creating a structure that WBC participants can step back into seamlessly.
He also commented on the newly hired hitting and bench coaches, noting his familiarity with both. Bench coach Randy Knorr brings extensive experience, while hitting coach Steven Souza, recently retired, offers a fresh understanding of challenges modern hitters face.