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Torey Lovullo Linked Job Security to Postseason Berth

The Arizona Diamondbacks manager acknowledged he likely needs a playoff appearance to keep his position.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive sports illustration of a baseball manager in team colors, standing in a dugout overlooking a sun-drenched stadium field.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged that a postseason berth is likely required for him to retain his position following the 2026 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stated he likely needs to secure a postseason berth to retain his role as the team finishes its 2026 season. Lovullo is currently in the final year of his contract.

Why it matters

The organization appears to be prioritizing consistent playoff results to justify keeping Lovullo, who is currently in his 10th season with the club.

Lovullo holds a career managerial record of 744-765, representing a .493 winning percentage. His tenure includes a 2021 season where the team lost 110 games.

The players

Torey Lovullo

He is the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks and is currently in his 10th year leading the team.

Arizona Diamondbacks

This is a professional Major League Baseball team based in Phoenix that competes in the National League West division.

The details

Lovullo shared his perspective on his future during an interview on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. The team management will conduct a full performance review at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.

Timeline

  1. The Diamondbacks reached the postseason under Lovullo in 2017.

  2. The team lost 110 games during the 2021 season.

  3. Arizona made a postseason appearance in 2023.

  4. The current MLB season is 2026.

Season Trajectory

The requirement for a playoff berth marks a shift from the rebuilding phase seen in 2021 toward a results-oriented mandate for the franchise. This expectation directly influences the team's late-season urgency as the organization weighs its long-term leadership future.

The manager's status depends on the team's ability to overcome their three-year playoff absence outside of the 2023 season. His final record will be heavily scrutinized against his historical 11-10 postseason performance.

The takeaway

Management will evaluate Lovullo at the end of the season, making every remaining game critical to his future with the organization. The team has committed to retaining him through the end of the 2026 schedule regardless of immediate results.

Further reading

For more on the current standing of the team, visit the Baseball section.

Live Poll

Should a professional coach be fired if their team fails to reach the playoffs this year?