The San Diego Padres have strengthened their organizational structure by hiring former manager Bud Black and ex-slugger Wil Myers for new roles. The team announced these appointments on Wednesday, with Black set to serve as the senior adviser to baseball operations and Myers taking on the role of special assignment coach focused on player development.
Bud Black brings extensive experience to his new position. He managed the Padres for 8.5 seasons from 2007 to 2015, achieving a record of 649 wins and 713 losses. During his tenure, the Padres did not reach the playoffs, yet Black’s leadership earned him the National League Manager of the Year award in 2010. Following his time in San Diego, he managed the Colorado Rockies from 2017 until May 2023, when he was dismissed after a challenging start to the season, where the team went 7-33.
In the wake of a disappointing postseason, the Padres recently appointed former reliever Craig Stammen as their new manager, succeeding Mike Shildt, who retired following a narrow defeat against the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series.
Wil Myers, who played for the Padres for eight seasons, adds a wealth of experience to his new coaching role. As an outfielder and corner infielder, he posted a batting average of .254, hitting 134 home runs and driving in 433 runs. Myers was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2013. Although he has not officially retired from baseball, he last played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023.
The Padres’ management decisions reflect their commitment to enhancing their performance as they look to build a competitive team for the future. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Black and Myers, the organization aims to cultivate emerging talent and improve its overall strategy on the field.
