Connect with us
Burn+

Arizona Diamondbacks

D-backs CEO Derrick Hall praises Torey Lovullo for ‘his best year’ in 2026

Torey Lovullo D-Backs Arizona Diamondbacks Torey Lovullo staying MLB Network Derrick Hall best year yet
© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PHOENIX – The final four games of the 2026 MLB season for the D-backs are about more than simply chasing a postseason berth. They could also determine whether Arizona moves forward with the manager who has led the franchise for nearly a decade. Arizona president and CEO Derrick Hall recently made his position on Torey Lovullo clear, telling Arizona Sports that he believes 2026 could be the best managerial season of Lovullo’s tenure.

Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall speaks to the media during the Diamondbacks 2025 season preview of its newest food, concession areas, promotional giveaways and special events on March 18, 2025, in Phoenix. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona president Hall speaks to the media during the 2025 season preview of its newest food, concession areas, promotional giveaways and special events on March 18, 2025, in Phoenix. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

 

That creates an important question for Arizona: should a manager’s future be determined entirely by whether his team makes the playoffs? Lovullo is entering the final year of his contract, and he acknowledged earlier this month that he “probably” needs to reach the postseason to remain with the organization.

Aug 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona  manager Lovullo looks on from the dugout before a game between the Colorado Rockies and Arizona at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

Derrick Hall offered a broader evaluation. His spotlight on Lovullo includes six winning seasons during his 10-year tenure and guiding Arizona to the World Series in 2023. Now, Arizona enters Thursday three games behind the Cubs and Phillies for the final NL Wild Card position with four games remaining. Arizona has stayed alive, but their margin for error is essentially gone.

D-backs CEO Derrick Hall talks about Torey Lovullo:

That puts Lovullo in a complicated position. If Arizona reaches October, the argument for continuity becomes considerably easier. If the D-backs fall short, however, the front office must decide whether the missed postseason outweighs what Hall believes has been Lovullo’s strongest work. For fans, that distinction matters. Managers are often judged by results, but Hall’s comments suggest Arizona is also evaluating leadership, player relationships, and the ability to navigate a long season. Whatever happens, the decision should reveal how the D-backs define success: recent postseason results, or the full body of work.
Arizona Diamondbacks Torey Lovullo MLB D-Backs

Arizona manager Lovullo watches his team play against the Royals during a game in Phoenix, at Chase Field on July 5, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Will Marvin Harrison Jr. figure it out offensively for the Cardinals? – Burn City Sports Phoenix Sports

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, @BenBliklen

Related Topics

Burn City Radio

More in Arizona Diamondbacks