It's unclear what Torey Lovullo's future looks like in Arizona.
The Seattle Mariners are in need of a new manager after Dan Wilson informed the team he would not return to his post in 2027.
And according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, there may already be a leader in the clubhouse for Wilson's replacement: Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lovullo's contract in Arizona is up after this year, and there has been no extension at this point. He may simply be a managerial free agent.
The Lovullo file
In 10 years at the helm of the Diamondbacks, Lovullo is 750-768 (.494) with just two postseason appearances (2017, 23).
Why this would be a good hire for the Mariners:
1) Well, Lovullo has managerial experience, which is something that Wilson lacked when he was hired in August of 2024. He knows how to manage a team and has a decade worth of experience in managing a clubhouse. There wouldn't be a "learning curve" in doing the job, and there wouldn't be any doubt as to if he could actually do it.
2) Three of his last four seasons were winning seasons, including an 86-76 campaign this season. He's won games and been to the playoffs, but most importantly, he's been to the World Series (2023) which is something that the Mariners have never done.
3) He's worked with star players before, which is something the Mariners have: Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, he's worked with all of them. The Mariners need someone who can handle the personalities of star players.
The Mariners clubhouse is widely regarded as a clubhouse full of good people, so if he could handle Marte's mercurial attitude, you'd like to think he could handle this group too.
4) It should be noted: Even though Lovullo has only made the playoffs twice, he has to get some special consideration considering he managed in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have won two consecutive World Series titles and have been to the World Series four times in the 10 years since Lovullo took this job (2017, 2020, 2024-2025).
Where there would be questions
1) The Mariners have hired first-time managers in each of their last two managerial cycles (Scott Servais, Wilson). Do they want to hire the experienced manager who is a re-tread, or do they want another first-time voice that could potentially end up being a bright mind full of fresh ideas?
2) How would Lovullo, an established voice, fit with Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander, who are still running the front office?
3) The Mariners seem to be keeping at least several of their key staff members in place. How would Lovullo feel about inheriting a staff, or at least parts of a staff, as opposed to bringing all his own people in?
Timing
There is not a rush to get a hire done, but obviously the Mariners would rather have something done sooner rather than later. With regards to Lovullo specifically, they need to wait for the D-backs to make a decision on his future before they can do anything.
But beyond that, you'd like to think the Mariners will have a hire within the next three weeks or so so that they can get to work on the offseason.
