San Diego Landing Craig Starman as its new manager this week. The 41-year-old does not have any previous coaching experience, but he will be able to rely on a familiar face for at least a few seasons. Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports that pitching coach Ruben Niebla has two years left on his contract. Lim also noted that Niebla is another finalist for the captaincy.
Niebra has been the Padres’ pitching coach since 2022. Stamen was actually a member of Niebla’s first pitching staff. The two met during the right-hander’s final season in the league. Niebla is one of three known finalists for the managerial position, along with albert pujols and Nick Hendry. Shortly after news of Stamann’s hiring broke, ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that Niebra was expected to remain with the team.
News that Niebla is contracted for the next two seasons further confirms that he will help the inexperienced Stamann. He’s not the only employee retained beyond 2026, either. Lin noted that while the team expressed interest in bullpen coach Ben Fritz, he recently received a new multi-year contract. He has been on San Diego’s staff since 2020.
Keeping Fritz gives Stamen another former coach. Fritz was Stamen’s bullpen coach for his final three seasons in San Diego. He also briefly served as pitching coach, replacing players who were fired Larry Rothschild Finish out the 2021 season before returning to bullpen coaching. Fritz has been with the organization since 2015.
Stamen also has to deal with a few departures. batting coach Victor Rodriguez Expected to head to Astros. He has served in that role in San Diego for the past two seasons. Third base coach Tim Leper is expected to assume the same role with the Mets. Lepper has also held the position for the past two years.
As Lin points out, who’s on the roster could impact future recruiting decisions: “Some within the organization believe the Padres need to add a coach who can naturally connect with Machado, Tatis and other Latino players on the club“. Lin added that there is also value in hiring a bench coach who has managed at the MLB level.
Photo courtesy of David Frerker of Imagn Images.
