Nick Hundley, Ruben Niebla Join Padres’ Managerial Shortlist
The San Diego Padres are moving closer to naming a new manager following the retirement of Mike Shildt. They have narrowed their options to four finalists and anticipate making an announcement by the end of the week. Among the leading candidates are pitching coach Ruben Niebla, former catcher Nick Hundley, and baseball legend Albert Pujols.
Managerial Candidates for the Padres
Sources indicate that the Padres have conducted thorough interviews, with Niebla and Hundley emerging as prominent figures in the running. It is believed that the team remains open to additional candidates. However, no official confirmations have been released regarding other potential finalists.
Candidates Overview
- Ruben Niebla: Current pitching coach since October 2021, has revitalized the Padres’ pitching program.
- Nick Hundley: Former major league catcher with 12 seasons of experience, primarily with the Padres.
- Albert Pujols: Future Hall of Famer with no prior coaching experience, but has led teams to championships in the Caribbean.
Interview Process
Last week, the Padres held the first round of interviews via Zoom, in which the three finalists participated alongside bench coach Brian Esposito. The second round has transitioned to in-person discussions.
Candidate Backgrounds
Ruben Niebla has been pivotal in reshaping the Padres’ pitching staff, leading them to consistently rank among the top in Major League Baseball. He previously coached in the Guardians organization from 2001 to 2020.
Nick Hundley played for the Padres from 2008 to 2014 and has remained involved in baseball operations as a special assistant with the Texas Rangers since 2022. He resides in San Diego, making him a local favorite among fans.
Albert Pujols, renowned for hitting 703 home runs—the fourth highest in MLB history—has yet to venture into coaching at any level, though he achieved considerable success as a manager with Leones de Escogido in the Dominican Winter League in 2025.
Conclusion
The Padres’ decision is highly anticipated, considering the credentials and backgrounds of the finalists. With a commitment to improving their team dynamics, the new manager will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the franchise.
