PHOENIX -- After leading the D-backs to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2002-03, manager Torey Lovullo was rewarded with a contract extension Tuesday.
Lovullo, who was hired prior to the 2017 campaign, was entering the final season of his initial deal. The length and financial terms of the extension were not announced, but a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that the new deal adds two years to his contract, taking him through the '21 season.
"I'm honored that the ownership team and the front office feel like I'm the right person to lead this team from the dugout level," Lovullo said. "And I'm humbled by the offer and the extension. It obviously offers a little bit of stability, and in this game, that's what you're always searching for. I think it's going to give us an opportunity to continue to press on and lay down our concepts and lay down our terminology the best we possibly can in the future years, so we hopefully win a world championship."
It didn't take long for Lovullo to have an impact, as the D-backs went 93-69 in his first season, an exact reversal from the previous.
Lovullo won over the team with his personal touch and communication skills, getting to know not just his players, but their families as well.
"Torey's leadership and ability to connect with people, specifically our players and coaches, provides the foundation for the culture we continue to cultivate and grow in Arizona." D-backs executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen said in a statement. "This is an exciting day for Torey, his family and the D-backs. We can't wait to get started at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in two weeks."
Arizona captured the top National League Wild Card spot in 2017, and Lovullo earned the Baseball Writers' Association of America National League Manager of the Year Award.
During Lovullo's second season, the D-backs led the NL West at the beginning of every month, but struggled in September and finished with an 82-80 mark.
Lovullo worked with Hazen when the pair were in Boston, and they have a long history together. So, had an extension not worked out, Lovullo said he would not have had any issues entering the final year of his original deal.
"I feel like I have so much faith in the ownership and leadership group that I would've honored my contract the way that I did when I signed it two years ago, and done the best thing that I possibly could have without a bother," Lovullo said. "I want to stay here and I'm enjoying my time here, so I'm glad that this is now behind us and there's a little stability, and I don't have to worry about that."