Padres’ chaotic 2015 season resurfaces in Dave Roberts-Pat Murphy 2026 NLCS matchup

Former San Diego Padres managers Dave Roberts and Pat Murphy are facing off in the 2026 NLCS as leaders of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, respectively. Both managers briefly led the Padres during the chaotic 2015 season following the dismissal of Bud Black before departing the franchise. Friars on Base examines how both leaders subsequently flourished after finding organizational stability and patience elsewhere.

Writer David Lesky argues that the Padres must learn from their past managerial instability, having employed eight managers since 2015. With current manager Craig Stammen concluding his first season under contract through 2028, Lesky contends that San Diego should commit to offering Stammen the same patience and developmental runway that allowed Roberts and Murphy to achieve sustained postseason success.