Torey Lovullo, candidate for Mariners’ next manager, reportedly staying put

The Mariners’ managerial short list just got a little shorter.

Torey Lovullo, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season, has signed a new two-year extension to remain the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Republic reported Thursday.

Lovullo led the D-backs to the 2023 World Series and has a 750–768 record (.494) in 10 seasons as their manager.

Lovullo was known to be of interest to the Mariners as they began in earnest their search to find the successor to Dan Wilson, who was ousted on Sunday at the conclusion of the Mariners’ 76-86 season.

Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, said Monday he would prefer a manager with big-league experience, though it is “not a prerequisite.”

Two other recent managers with a successful track record — Rocco Baldelli and Brandon Hyde — would fit that criteria.

Dipoto said he plans to conduct an “exhaustive” search with the intent on hiring someone from outside the organization.

“Generally speaking, we’re looking for someone who has high character, growth mindset, has the ability to think strategically in in the context of a major-league game when that happens very quickly,” Dipoto said. “… There are a lot of good people out there, and most of what we’ve done in recent years, especially, has been insular. And this year’s failure requires that we look outside to find someone who might be able to poke holes in what we’re doing and help us see something that perhaps we’re blind to.”