Padres Fans Excited for 'Really Special' 2026 Season

Tatis, Musgrove, and new manager Stammen highlight Padres' FanFest optimism

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:31pm

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The San Diego Padres held their 2026 FanFest at Petco Park, giving fans a preview of the upcoming season. With fewer than two weeks before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, the Friar Faithful packed the stadium, eager to see what's in store for the team after a 90-win season and Wild Card appearance in 2025. Padres players, new manager Craig Stammen, and GM A.J. Preller spoke to the media, shedding light on the current state of the organization.

Why it matters

The Padres are looking to take the next step in 2026 and dethrone the Dodgers in the NL West. Much of that will depend on the continued development of star player Fernando Tatis Jr. and the return to form of pitcher Joe Musgrove after his Tommy John surgery. With a new manager in Stammen, the Padres are hoping to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run.

The details

Tatis, 27, is coming off one of his best seasons yet, posting an .814 OPS with 25 home runs, 32 stolen bases, and 6.1 WAR. He believes he has pinpointed mechanical issues that held him back in 2025 and is looking forward to a 'really special' 2026 campaign. Musgrove, who missed all of 2025 after Tommy John surgery, is expected to slot in behind Nick Pivetta and Michael King in the Padres' rotation. If the 33-year-old San Diego native can return to his pre-injury form, it would be a huge boost for the team. New manager Craig Stammen, who spent his final six seasons as a player with the Padres, has already made an impression by traveling to meet with players like Tatis in the offseason.

  • Padres pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in less than two weeks.
  • The Padres held their 2026 FanFest on the final day of January.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The 27-year-old star player for the Padres, entering his seventh MLB season. He is coming off one of his best years yet, posting an .814 OPS with 25 home runs, 32 stolen bases, and 6.1 WAR.

Joe Musgrove

The 33-year-old San Diego native and starting pitcher for the Padres, who missed all of the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in Oct. 2024. He is expected to slot in behind Nick Pivetta and Michael King in the Padres' rotation.

Craig Stammen

The new manager of the Padres, who spent his final six seasons as a player with the team before retiring in 2023 and joining the coaching staff and front office.

A.J. Preller

The general manager of the Padres, who has been active in the offseason making moves to improve the team.

Gavin Sheets

The left-handed first baseman who had a breakout 2025 season with a .746 OPS and 19 home runs, and is the early favorite to land the first base job for the Padres in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Mechanical [issues], more than anything else. But it's actually more about trusting the process. I definitely feel like that's behind us now though. This year is going to be really special.”

— Fernando Tatis Jr. (mlb.com)

“I feel great right now. The last two-to-four weeks, I've felt great and I'm looking forward to going into camp this spring.”

— Joe Musgrove (mlb.com)

“It's been great this offseason, just getting involved in these guys' offseason plans and developing player plans for these guys and trying to show them that we're in their corner. We're not trying to make them do things, but we're trying to get the best out of them and get the most out of the team.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (mlb.com)

“I got to see what that baseball-obsessed country looks like and that was pretty cool. Being there for the first time and gaining perspective on how they grew up as people, what kind of food they eat, where their families grew up. I have a little bit of a better idea of why they do things or do things a certain way.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.