Padres Manager Vows to 'Compete' Against Dodgers

New skipper Craig Stammen promises to challenge the reigning champions in the NL West.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:43pm

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The San Diego Padres have a new manager, Craig Stammen, who is making a bold declaration: 'We're going to compete' against the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the Padres' recent playoff appearances and star-studded roster, the Dodgers have pulled ahead with back-to-back championships. Stammen acknowledges the challenges but remains confident in his team's ability to rise to the occasion and reignite the rivalry.

Why it matters

The Padres-Dodgers rivalry is one of the most intense in baseball, and Stammen's promise to compete against the reigning champions will undoubtedly stir up excitement and controversy among fans. This sets the stage for a potentially thrilling season as the Padres look to dethrone their division rivals.

The details

The Padres have had recent success, including 90-win seasons and consecutive playoff appearances. However, their journey ended abruptly in the 2025 Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs, a stark contrast to the previous year when they pushed the Dodgers to a five-game Division Series. Despite the Padres' star-studded roster, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, the Dodgers have claimed back-to-back championships and bolstered their roster with All-Star closer Edwin Diaz. The Padres' offseason has been relatively quiet, with a few signings and several key players still unsigned.

  • The Padres reached the National League Championship in 2022 after defeating the Dodgers.
  • The Padres pushed the Dodgers to a five-game Division Series in 2024.
  • The Padres were eliminated in the 2025 Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs.

The players

Craig Stammen

The new manager of the San Diego Padres, known for his bold declaration to 'compete' against the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A star player for the San Diego Padres, known for his impressive performances on the field.

Manny Machado

Another star player for the San Diego Padres, who has been a key part of the team's recent success.

Edwin Diaz

The All-Star closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has helped bolster the team's roster.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning champions of the National League, known for their dominant performances in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to compete”

— Craig Stammen, Manager, San Diego Padres

What’s next

The Padres and Dodgers will face off in their first series of the 2026 season on April 30th, setting the stage for an early showdown between the division rivals.

The takeaway

Stammen's bold promise to 'compete' against the Dodgers has set the stage for an exciting and potentially contentious season in the NL West. The Padres' ability to rise to the challenge and dethrone the reigning champions will be a testament to their team's resilience and determination, and could reignite one of baseball's most intense rivalries.