The San Diego Padres have brought back two familiar faces to their organization, hiring former manager Bud Black as a senior adviser to baseball operations and ex-slugger Wil Myers as a special assignment coach in player development. The team announced these appointments on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in their operational strategy.
Bud Black, who managed the Padres for over eight seasons from 2007 to 2015, is known for his leadership and extensive experience in Major League Baseball (MLB). During his time with the Padres, Black compiled a record of 649 wins and 713 losses. Although San Diego did not reach the playoffs under his management, he earned the NL Manager of the Year award in 2010, solidifying his place in the franchise’s history as the second-winningest manager. After his tenure with the Padres, Black managed the Colorado Rockies from 2017 until May 2023, when he departed following a challenging start to the season.
In addition to Black’s return, the Padres have also re-engaged Wil Myers, who played for the team for eight seasons. Myers, a versatile player who filled roles as an outfielder and corner infielder, recorded a batting average of .254, alongside 134 home runs and 433 runs batted in (RBIs). The 2013 AL Rookie of the Year has not formally retired but has not played in the major leagues since appearing for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023.
The Padres recently appointed Craig Stammen, a former reliever, as their new manager following the retirement of Mike Shildt. Shildt stepped down after the team lost in a tightly contested Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The hiring of both Black and Myers suggests a strategic move by the Padres to leverage their extensive experience to enhance player development and operations within the organization.
These appointments reflect the Padres’ commitment to building a robust team infrastructure, aiming for future success in a competitive league. As the organization looks forward to the upcoming season, the contributions of Black and Myers could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s trajectory.
