Newly hired San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen sent a message to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2026 season.
After Mike Shildt abruptly retired after the 2025 season, Stammen takes over in San Diego and is eager to play the reigning World Series winners.
Stammen declared, “We’re going to compete.” “There’s no question about that. We will do everything in our power to help them. That’s what we’re going to do each and every year. They are a fantastic team with several outstanding star players and future Hall of Famers, and they have won the World Series twice.
“We are also pleased with our roster. We are pleased with the attitude and our team. We know what it’s like to play them at Petco [Park] and what it’s like to play in Dodger Stadium, and we’ve had a lot of clashes with them. We also know how thrilling that environment is.
“They’re a tough team, they’re a great team, but playing against the best is the best in the big leagues.”
Over the past few seasons, the Dodgers and Padres have had a passionate rivalry that has included everything from bench-clearing fights to intense postseason contests. In 2025, the Dodgers easily defeated their NL West rivals in the season series, winning nine of the thirteen games played.
After losing All-Star closer Robert Suarez, starter Dylan Cease, and All-Star Ryan O’Hearn to free agency, San Diego has only become weaker since the start of the offseason. In addition, an injury is expected to keep Yu Darvish out of action for the whole year 2026. Re-signing starting pitcher Michael King to a three-year contract was their sole notable attempt to make up for their losses.
On the other hand, the Dodgers have kept up their strength from 2025 and have acquired Edwin Diaz, a new All-Star who will be a vital component of a bullpen hoping to improve next season.
The Padres won’t play LA in the regular season until May 19, at which point the division should have stabilized. In 2026, the Dodgers want to complete the first three-peat in franchise history by continuing to dominate the Padres and the rest of the NL West.
