PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are bringing Torey Lovullo back for an 11th season, agreeing to a two-year deal that keeps the franchise’s winningest manager in the dugout after another October spent watching someone else play.
Multiple outlets, including AZCentral and MLB.com, reported the decision Thursday, and Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro said the deal was completed that morning. Lovullo learned Monday that the club wanted him back after weeks of uncertainty following an 86-win campaign — the most victories by any team that missed the 2026 playoffs.
Lovullo’s previous deal was expiring, and he had said on local radio in mid-September that he “probably” needed a playoff berth to feel secure. Instead, ownership aligned his new contract with general manager Mike Hazen’s timeline. Team president Derrick Hall had publicly called this season likely Lovullo’s best managerial year despite the near miss.
Lovullo is the third-longest-tenured manager in MLB behind Tampa Bay’s Kevin Cash and Los Angeles’ Dave Roberts, with a franchise-record 750 wins (750-768). His high-water mark remains the improbable 2023 World Series run; the next three seasons raised payroll and expectations without another pennant.
This year tested the clubhouse: key arms returned late or not at all from elbow surgery, stars Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Ketel Marte regressed, and Marte’s mid-August absence — followed by the restricted and injured lists — forced hard conversations about accountability. Lovullo later said he would no longer “protect” Marte the way he once did. The bullpen and improved defense kept Arizona in the race until the final weekend.
Clarity on the manager does not clear the offseason board. The front office still faces Marte trade chatter, an expected CBA lockout after December, and a Chase Field lease extension. For now, Arizona is betting that the same voice that steered a World Series club can push a talented but uneven roster one step farther.