The Seattle Mariners never got the chance to discuss their managerial opening with Torey Lovullo before the Arizona Diamondbacks retained him on a two-year contract. Lovullo remained under contract through October 31, 2026, preventing the Mariners from contacting him unless Arizona granted permission.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale explained Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, why the club was not able to pursue Lovullo despite reports linking him to the vacancy.
“Lovullo never became an official free agent, with the Seattle Mariners unable to contact him for their vacancy”
The Mariners created the opening on Sunday, when president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto announced Dan Wilson would not return as manager in 2027. Wilson had guided Seattle to Game 7 of the 2025 ALCS before the club missed the postseason in 2026. Dipoto said the organization wanted fresh thought from outside and has indicated a preference for someone with major-league managing experience.
Article Continues BelowLovullo fit that profile. Late-September reports connected him to the organization, and Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall had said Lovullo would be hired in a heartbeat if the Diamondbacks let him walk. But his contractual status remained the obstacle. Because the Diamondbacks extended him before his previous deal expired, the Mariners never reached the point where they could formally contact him.
Arizona’s decision keeps Lovullo in place for an 11th season. The 61-year-old is the winningest manager in franchise history at 750-768 over 10 seasons, with two playoff appearances and the 2023 National League pennant. The Diamondbacks finished 86-76 in 2026, two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL wild-card spot.
Lovullo’s new two-year agreement aligns with general manager Mike Hazen’s contract, which runs through 2028 with a club option for 2029. For Seattle, Lovullo is no longer an option. He never became available, and the Mariners’ managerial search continues without him.