The San Diego Padres are shaking things up in a big way, and it’s not just about the players on the field. With three bold new hires to their coaching staff, the Padres are sending a clear message: they’re serious about building a winning culture. But here’s where it gets interesting—these hires aren’t just about adding experience; they’re about bringing in individuals who can transform the team’s dynamics both on and off the field. According to The Athletic’s Dennis Lin, Bob Henley, Ryan Goins, and Kevin Plawecki are set to join the revamped coaching staff under new manager Craig Stammen. Henley will take over as the third base coach, Goins will step in as an infield coach, and Plawecki will transition from his role as a minor league catching instructor to the big league catching coach. Meanwhile, first base coach David Macias and Nick Punto, in an unspecified role, will return for another season with the team.
Let’s dive into these hires, starting with Bob Henley, who turns 53 in January. Henley’s career is a testament to loyalty and adaptability. He spent nearly his entire baseball journey with the Expos/Nationals organization, except for a brief stint with the Pirates’ A-level affiliate in 2002. Drafted by Montreal in the 26th round of the 1991 draft, Henley played seven seasons in the Expos’ farm system before making his MLB debut in 1998, appearing in just 41 games. Elbow injuries cut his playing career short, but Henley seamlessly transitioned into coaching, spending 11 years as a manager and field coordinator in the minors. He later served as the Nationals’ third base coach for eight seasons before shifting to player development in 2021. Last July, he briefly returned to the coaching staff as a Major League field coordinator after Davey Martinez’s departure. And this is the part most people miss—Henley’s deep familiarity with Stammen, who pitched for the Nationals from 2009-15, could be a game-changer for the Padres’ on-field strategy.
Kevin Plawecki is another familiar face for Stammen, having worked together in San Diego and crossed paths during Plawecki’s time as a player in the Padres’ minor league system. Plawecki, an eight-season MLB veteran (2015-22), primarily served as a backup catcher for the Mets and Red Sox before retiring in 2024 to become an instructor for the Padres’ Arizona Complex League club. His transition to big league catching coach feels like a natural progression, given his hands-on experience and recent instructional role.
Ryan Goins, on the other hand, brings a fresh perspective. With no prior ties to Stammen or the Padres, Goins is a Southern California veteran, having spent the last two seasons on the Angels’ coaching staff. A former eight-season MLB player (2013-20), primarily with the Blue Jays, Goins was known more for his glove than his bat, carving out a niche as a part-time player. His defensive expertise will be invaluable for the Padres’ infielders, especially after his successful stints as the Angels’ infield coach in 2024 and 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Goins’ defensive skills are undisputed, can he effectively translate his experience to a coaching role that demands more than just technical know-how?
These hires aren’t just about filling positions; they’re about creating a cohesive unit that can elevate the Padres to new heights. Stammen’s familiarity with Henley and Plawecki suggests a strategic move to build trust and consistency within the coaching staff. Meanwhile, Goins’ outsider perspective could bring fresh ideas to the table. But the real question is: Will this blend of familiarity and new blood be enough to push the Padres past their competitors? Only time will tell. What do you think? Are these hires a home run, or is there room for skepticism? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
