Padres’ Josh Stein Becomes The Seventh Candidate To Interview For GM

The search for the next Padres’ General Manager continued when ownership interviewed their seventh candidate and the first within the organization on Wednesday. Assistant GM Josh Stein, whose been with the Padres’ for the past twelve years,  met with both CEO Ron Fowler and President Mike Dee to discuss the vacancy which was held by Stein’s former boss Josh Byrnes.

Padres’ writer Corey Brock highlights that Stein began his career with the Padres’ as intern of baseball operation back in 2003, and he worked his way up through the organization alongside GM’s Kevin Towers, Jed Hoyer and Josh Byrnes. He was promoted to his assistant GM role this past December and has overseen player acquisition and roster moves, payroll and budget management, contract negotiations, and other duties accustomed to the role of GM.

The Padres’ are taking their time in this process with no date expected to fill the vacancy currently filled on an interim basis by Senior vice President of Player Operations Omar Minaya, and Assistant AJ Finch, and Fred Ulhman Jr. Minaya, who was the GM for the New York Mets, has already stated that he is not interested in the position, but Finch is expected to receive an interview and could be the leading candidate.

According Brock, the team has already interviewed Red Sox Assistant GM Mike Hazen Tuesday and will also look to interview Dodgers’ Senior VP of Players Operations Kim Ng later this week. Stein adds to an ever growing list of candidates who have either interviewed or have declined the opportunity.

With the trading deadline fast approaching, it will be interesting to see if Fowler or Dee will hire someone before or after the end of July 31st deadline, but there is no doubt that Stein will play a part in these meetings.  At the moment,  it appears they will make a final decision after the month, but it is important they find that right person who can reinvigorate the Padres’ fan base who are growing ever impatient with the constant lack of offensive performance.