Contract Extension Secures Lovullo’s Future
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo will return for his 11th season with the franchise after signing a two-year contract extension. The agreement keeps the 61-year-old Lovullo in charge of the team through the 2028 season, according to Associated Press reports.
The deal concludes a period of uncertainty regarding Lovullo’s status with the club. His future had been in flux following the Diamondbacks' failure to qualify for the postseason for a third consecutive year. The team finished the recent season with an 86-76 record, which was the best winning percentage among Major League Baseball teams that did not make the playoffs.
General Manager Mike Hazen expressed confidence in Lovullo’s leadership despite the missed playoff appearances. Hazen stated he believed Lovullo had one of his best seasons as manager, citing the team's resilience and performance metrics under difficult circumstances.
Statistical Achievements and League Standing
Lovullo is now the winningest manager in Diamondbacks history. Over his decade with the franchise, he has compiled a record of 750 wins and 768 losses.
Hazen highlighted specific statistical achievements from the recent season to support the decision to extend Lovullo’s tenure. The team recorded 47 comeback wins, the highest total in Major League Baseball. Hazen noted that these results were achieved while the roster worked through injuries to key players.
With this extension, Lovullo becomes the third-longest-tenured manager in the major leagues. He trails only Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in terms of tenure length among active managers.
Lovullo’s Reaction and Previous Tenure
Lovullo expressed relief and gratitude regarding the extension. He noted that he had taken time to decompress after the regular season concluded, spending time watching the television series "Ted Lasso" with his wife before finalizing the contract details.
The Diamondbacks' front office also acknowledged their own role in the team's recent struggles. Hazen blamed himself for the organization's shortcomings, specifically citing a failure to address weaknesses at first base, designated hitter, and in the starting rotation during previous roster moves.
Lovullo’s history with the franchise includes significant individual accolades. He was named the National League Manager of the Year in 2017 after leading Arizona to a 93-win season.
Before joining Arizona, Lovullo served as the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox. He was part of the coaching staff when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2013.