PHOENIX – If the 2026 MLB postseason rolls around and the Arizona Diamondbacks are not a part of the picture, how much longer can the organization continue with the same leadership structure with manager Torey Lovullo if the results no longer match the expectations? If Arizona misses the playoffs for a third consecutive season following its 2023 World Series appearance, the conversation will inevitably shift toward general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen (left) speaks to the media with Diamondbacks head coach Torey Lovullo after the team was eliminated from playoff contention at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 1, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Will the D-backs clean house if they miss the 2026 postseason?
This would not simply be another disappointing season. It would represent a prolonged inability to sustain the momentum of a franchise that once appeared positioned for long-term contention. Lovullo has been in Arizona since before the 2017 season, making him one of the longest-tenured managers in baseball. His time in Arizona has included a rebuild, a World Series run, and now a stretch in which fans are increasingly questioning whether the team has plateaued. Hazen and Lovullo have effectively become connected faces of the organization’s baseball operations, meaning a major change involving one could reasonably affect the other.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo smiles before playing the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 18, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
That is what makes the situation so compelling. Are the two actually fighting for their jobs? Do they know their positions could be at risk? Most importantly, does owner Ken Kendrick believe this group can still lead the Diamondbacks back to October? Those answers remain unclear, but the uncertainty itself is becoming part of the story.
Apr 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo against the Chicago White Sox at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For fans, this is no longer just about lineup decisions, injuries, or missed opportunities. It is about whether the franchise is willing to make difficult decisions before another promising window disappears. A third straight playoff absence could force Arizona to determine whether continuity remains its greatest asset, or its biggest obstacle.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklenÂ
