Victor Rodriguez leaving Padres to become Astros’ hitting coach

Whoever the Padres’ next manager is will have a new hitting coach in 2026.

Victor Rodriquez and the Astros are finalizing a deal for him to become that franchise’s hitting coach after he spent two seasons in the role for the Padres.

That means the Padres’ fourth manager in seven seasons will have a hand in hiring the team’s 10th hitting coach since 2015.

In 2024, Rodriguez’s first season, the Padres led the majors in batting average for the first time in franchise history. They finished seventh last season, which was their second-highest ranking in the past 22 years. However, their home run and run production fell precipitously in 2025. They ranked 28th in MLB in home runs and 18th in runs.

Rodriguez had one year remaining on his contract with the Padres, who granted permission for the Astros to speak to him.

The Padres have yet to name a manager to replace the retired Mike Shildt. Last week, team officials conducted in-person interviews with at least three men (Nick Hundley, Ruben Niebla and Albert Pujols) who were described by sources as finalists for the job. The Padres have declined to comment on the search.