By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published March 25, 2026 — 9:15 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

Hey, what’s up everyone — welcome to another episode of FriarPulse! Today we’re diving into the newest additions to the Padres coaching staff and what they mean for the 2026 season.

The Padres made two important hires this week, bringing in veteran baseball mind Randy Knorr as bench coach and former MLB outfielder Steven Souza Jr. as the new hitting coach. Both hires come as first-year manager Craig Stammen continues to build the staff he trusts to reshape the team’s identity heading into a pivotal season.

Randy Knorr: Experience, Stability, and a Link to Stammen

Knorr brings over three decades of baseball experience — from catching in the big leagues, to coaching, to managing at multiple levels of professional baseball. He has been part of winning cultures and understands the demands of a long season.

For Stammen, this is a familiar face. Knorr was with the Washington Nationals during Stammen’s early years in the majors, and the respect between them is obvious. For a new manager stepping into a high-expectation job, having a steady, seasoned voice next to him on the bench is huge.

Knorr is expected to play a major role in in-game decision-making, bullpen matchups, and overall clubhouse communication. The Padres wanted someone who could offer structure and stability — Knorr checks all those boxes.

Steven Souza Jr.: A Fresh Voice to Re-Ignite the Padres’ Offense

Souza Jr. steps into the hitting coach role with a modern approach and a development-first mindset. He spent eight years in the majors, retired after 2022, and quickly transitioned into helping hitters grow through a more analytical, simplified hitting philosophy.

He’s young, energetic, and relatable — and with the Padres’ offense underperforming compared to its talent level, the front office clearly wanted a new direction. Souza’s experience working in hitter development and working with younger players stood out. His connection with Stammen from their Nationals days probably didn’t hurt either.

This is his first MLB coaching job, but the Padres believe his fresh perspective and communication skills will translate well to a roster filled with both veteran hitters and emerging young players.

What This Means for 2026

These hires say a lot about the direction of the franchise. Stammen is surrounding himself with people he trusts — one veteran voice with deep experience, and one younger voice with modern hitting insight.

The Padres want a staff that can develop talent, communicate clearly, and create a unified message throughout the organization. For fans, the biggest question is simple: Will these hires help turn potential into production?

If Knorr steadies the dugout and Souza modernizes the offense, the Padres could take a real step forward in 2026.