The Arizona Diamondbacks have confirmed that manager Torey Lovullo will remain at the helm through the 2026 season. That’ll mark his 10th campaign leading the team.
They made the announcement even though the D-backs missed the postseason for a second straight year, finishing with a rough 80-82 record in 2025. Injuries, roster shakeups, and looming free agency decisions are set to shape whatever comes next for Lovullo and the franchise.
Lovullo’s Long Tenure in the Desert
Lovullo’s journey with the Diamondbacks started back in 2016. He came over after a stint as bench coach for the Boston Red Sox.
His impact was immediate. Arizona posted a stellar 93-69 record and he picked up the NL Manager of the Year Award in 2017.
Over the years, Lovullo built a reputation as a steady leader. He’s managed to steer the club through both highs and lows on the diamond.
Highs, Lows, and One Memorable Run
The pinnacle of Lovullo’s time in Arizona came in 2023. That’s when he steered a young, scrappy roster all the way to a World Series appearance.
The run ended in heartbreak, with the Texas Rangers winning the championship in five games. Still, it cemented Lovullo’s place in franchise history.
The D-backs rewarded him with a contract extension through 2026—so there’s some stability in the dugout, at least on paper.
Back-to-Back Playoff Misses
Arizona just couldn’t recapture the magic these past two seasons. In 2024, the Diamondbacks stayed competitive, finishing 89-73, but missed out on the postseason.
The 2025 campaign went off the rails in a different way. Injuries hammered the pitching staff, and the team ended the year with a five-game losing streak in San Diego, dropping them below .500.
The Injury Nightmare
The rotation and bullpen took some brutal hits. Ace Corbin Burnes and relievers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk all needed season-ending elbow surgeries.
Those losses threw the team off balance. Lovullo had to scramble, trying to patch together competitive lineups night after night.
The Road Ahead
Lovullo’s return in 2026 puts him in rare company among long-term MLB managers. But it also sets up a season that could be tricky for the Diamondbacks.
The franchise has some big roster questions to answer before Opening Day. It’s hard to predict how that’s going to shake out.
Key Storylines to Watch
Heading into 2026, a few critical factors could make or break Arizona’s year:
- Corbin Burnes’ comeback: He’s aiming for a July return from Tommy John surgery. His health could make all the difference at the top of the rotation.
- Zac Gallen’s free agency: The D-backs might lose their homegrown star pitcher after more than six seasons with the team.
- Depth in the bullpen: With Martinez and Puk still recovering, Arizona badly needs reliable late-inning arms.
- Offensive consistency: The lineup has to avoid those long, ugly slumps that have haunted recent seasons.
Lovullo’s Legacy in Arizona
Since 2016, Lovullo has navigated the grind of MLB’s 162-game season with a leadership style built on patience and attention to detail. His longevity shows the trust he’s earned within the organization and clubhouse.
Not every year has brought October baseball. Still, Lovullo’s run includes a few unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back, hoping for more.
Why 2026 Could Be a Turning Point
Lovullo heads into his 10th season with a lot on the line. The team’s future depends on both player health and the choices made by the front office.
Arizona can compete when the roster stays healthy. But to keep winning, they’ll need to dodge injuries and make the most of their stars’ prime years.
If things break their way, Lovullo’s milestone season might just spark another playoff run. There’s a lot riding on how the next year unfolds, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder—could 2026 be the year everything clicks?
Diamondbacks fans are hoping Lovullo’s 10th year brings stability in the dugout. Maybe, just maybe, this is when Arizona finds that old magic and becomes a real postseason threat again in the National League.
Here is the source article for this story: Lovullo to return as Arizona Diamondbacks manager in 2026, team confirms
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