As the Arizona Diamondbacks enter another early offseason, questions have emerged about the organization’s direction and manager Torey Lovullo’s future with the team.

Lovullo’s contract expires after this season, and he has surfaced as a candidate for the Seattle Mariners’ managerial vacancy. Adam Jude from The Seattle Times reported Seattle’s interest as the organization begins searching for Dan Wilson’s replacement.

Wilson will not return after the Mariners finished 76-86, one year after falling one victory short of reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

The potential opportunity arrives at a crucial point in Lovullo’s managerial career.

According to Alex Weiner from Arizona Sports, Lovullo expressed his affection for Arizona on Sunday. He praised the state’s residents and fans while describing the group he works for as exceptional.

Lovullo enjoys being around the organization every day and does not want that relationship to end. 

“I love Arizona, and the people and the fans are spectacular,” Lovullo said Sunday.

“So the group that I work for is amazing. I love being around them every single day and I don’t want that to change.”

He also wants to win a World Series with the Diamondbacks, but emphasized that he wants the organization to genuinely want him back.

“And I wanna win a world championship with this organization,” Lovullo explained.

“But I wanna be wanted.”

Lovullo has managed Arizona since 2017 and is the winningest manager in franchise history. He owns a 750-768 record over 10 seasons.

The Diamondbacks won 93 games during his first season. Lovullo received the National League Manager of the Year Award and guided Arizona into the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His most successful campaign came in 2023, when the Diamondbacks reached the World Series before losing to the Texas Rangers. Arizona has not returned to the postseason and has missed it in each of the past three seasons.

The Diamondbacks finished 86-76 this year, 14 games behind the Dodgers in the National League West and two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the last National League Wild Card spot.

Lovullo’s tenure in the Valley has carried considerable importance. He has worked alongside general manager Mike Hazen throughout his time with Arizona and signed a three-year extension following the 2023 World Series run.

However, the two sides had not discussed another extension before the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Seattle’s apparent interest creates the possibility that Lovullo has managed his final game in Sedona Red.

The Mariners are reportedly seeking an experienced manager, representing a significant change after hiring Wilson and Scott Servais, neither of whom had previously managed in MLB.

Lovullo brings experience, loyalty and emotional intelligence to any clubhouse. He understands how to maintain relationships through difficult seasons without losing the confidence of his players.

His connection with Arizona reflects more than professional familiarity. Lovullo has invested in the organization, its supporters and the community while helping create one of the most memorable postseason runs in franchise history.

He also possesses the patience required to guide developing players and the accountability necessary to lead veterans. Lovullo has made his preference clear: He wants to remain with the Diamondbacks. However, that commitment must be mutual.