Dodgers Given Warning by Padres Ahead of 2026 Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat in Major League Baseball after winning back-to-back World Series titles. However, their dominance has not gone unnoticed, and their rival teams are already preparing for a fight.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen is no exception. In an appearance on Foul Territory, Stammen put the Dodgers on notice, stating that his team will "compete" against them in 2026. The Padres had given the Dodgers a run for their money last season, with San Diego briefly leading the NL West before ultimately falling to LA.
Stammen's confidence is well-founded. The Dodgers have won the division 12 times in the last 13 years, and they are loaded with star players like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. Stammen knows that playing against the best can be thrilling, but he also acknowledges that it's a challenge.
"We feel good about our roster too," Stammen said. "We know what it's like to play in Dodger Stadium, we know what it's like to play them at Petco Park... They're a tough team, they're a great team."
The Padres are taking a page out of the playbook of their former manager, Mike Shildt, who was known for his competitive edge. Stammen is building on that momentum, and he's confident that San Diego can give the Dodgers a run for their money.
"For us, it's not about being the favorite," Stammen said. "It's about competing... We're going to give them our best shot."
The stage is set for an exciting 2026 season in the NL West, with the Padres looking to take down the dominant Dodgers. It won't be easy, but Stammen and his team are ready for the challenge.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat in Major League Baseball after winning back-to-back World Series titles. However, their dominance has not gone unnoticed, and their rival teams are already preparing for a fight.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen is no exception. In an appearance on Foul Territory, Stammen put the Dodgers on notice, stating that his team will "compete" against them in 2026. The Padres had given the Dodgers a run for their money last season, with San Diego briefly leading the NL West before ultimately falling to LA.
Stammen's confidence is well-founded. The Dodgers have won the division 12 times in the last 13 years, and they are loaded with star players like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. Stammen knows that playing against the best can be thrilling, but he also acknowledges that it's a challenge.
"We feel good about our roster too," Stammen said. "We know what it's like to play in Dodger Stadium, we know what it's like to play them at Petco Park... They're a tough team, they're a great team."
The Padres are taking a page out of the playbook of their former manager, Mike Shildt, who was known for his competitive edge. Stammen is building on that momentum, and he's confident that San Diego can give the Dodgers a run for their money.
"For us, it's not about being the favorite," Stammen said. "It's about competing... We're going to give them our best shot."
The stage is set for an exciting 2026 season in the NL West, with the Padres looking to take down the dominant Dodgers. It won't be easy, but Stammen and his team are ready for the challenge.
. It's gonna be a wild ride, and I'm loving every minute of it! The Padres are giving the Dodgers a run for their money, and that's all we can ask for 
. Bring it on!
I'm skeptical about the Padres' chances against the Dodgers... I mean, we all know LA's been on a hot streak, winning back-to-back World Series titles 
. The Dodgers have been crushing it in the NL West for years, and their roster is stacked with talented players like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani 
️. Stammen's confidence is great and all, but can San Diego really give LA a run for their money? 
The Padres did make a push last season, but that was one year, right? 
I'm not saying it won't be an exciting season, but I think the Dodgers are gonna come out on top again 
.
. shildt's competitive edge is still resonatin w/ stammen, so i'm lowkey hyped 4 this season 
, that's for sure... gotta respect padres' new manager, craig stammen, he knows what it takes to take down the dodgers 
... 2026 is shaping up to be an epic season in the nwl west 
- always winning, never breaking through 
. and now padres are all like "we got this too" 
. but i gotta give stammen props for confidence, it's cool to see a manager actually thinking they can take down the Dodgers 
. only way that's gonna happen is if they figure out how to deal with mookie betts... 
But seriously, Stammen's confidence is well-placed - he knows his team's strengths and weaknesses, and he's not afraid to take on the best. I'm loving the competitive edge he's bringing to the table 
. Bring it on! 
. And what's up with Craig Stammen giving them a run for their money? It sounds like he's trying too hard to be seen as a rival to LA, you know? Maybe it's not just about competing, maybe there's more to it... I'm watching the 2026 season closely, gonna see if anyone is hiding something 
the padres are giving the dodgers a run for their money last year was so intense i hope the rivalry between them keeps us on the edge of our seats all season long 
But Stammen seems like a solid guy, always talking trash about his team and showing confidence. That's what you need when playing against the likes of Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani... Those guys are stars for a reason! 
I mean, they've been on a roll for like, forever! Thirteen years of division titles? That's insane! And don't even get me started on their roster - Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are like the dynamic duo of baseball! 
But you know who's gonna give them a run for their money? THE SAN DIEGO PADRES!!! 
. I think it's cool that Stammen is taking a competitive edge from his old manager Mike Shildt - it shows he's not afraid to try new things. The Dodgers might have a tough time against San Diego this year... can't wait to see the games! 
stammen is like the ultimate underdog (no pun intended) he's got that fire in his belly and i love it 
plus petco park is literally the coolest stadium in baseball 
i was at a dodgers game last year and mookie betts hit a home run right into my lap lol i was like woooah what just happened!!! 
did u know shildt used to be their manager? thats so cool! 
.