For the latest example of a major-league manager’s volatile existence, look no further than the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo.

True, Lovullo is the fourth-longest tenured manager, behind only the Tampa Bay Rays’ Kevin Cash, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dave Roberts and Atlanta Braves’ Brian Snitker. But during a 1-9 stretch that dropped the DBacks in late May, it occured to me Lovullo might be in jeopardy. And as recently as Sept. 10, ESPN’s Buster Olney included Lovullo on a list of potential changes, saying it seemed “almost silly” to add him but noting that owner Ken Kendrick can be demanding.

Now look at Lovullo and his team.

The D-Backs lost three core pitchers, ace right-hander Corbin Burnes and relievers AJ Puk and Justin Martinez, to season-ending injuries, and later left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as well. They traded first baseman Josh Naylor, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, right-hander Merrill Kelly, outfielder Randal Grichuk and reliever Shelby Miller. But since Aug. 1, the day after the deadline, they are 29-19. And if they somehow sneak past the New York Mets for the third National League wild card, Lovullo might challenge Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy for NL Manager of the Year.

Roberts experienced the same kind of turnaround during last year’s postseason, going from potentially being fired if the Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres in the Division Series to becoming the highest-paid manager by average salary after winning the World Series. Mike Shildt lost his job with the St. Louis Cardinals over “philosophical differences” in 2021 after he led the team to a 17-game winning streak and its third straight playoff appearance.

Baseball is crazy. This season has been especially crazy. Just eight days ago, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicted the Detroit Tigers’ A.J. Hinch would be American League Manager of the Year. Little did Bowden know that the Tigers might blow a 15 1/2-game lead and miss the playoffs entirely. No team in modern AL/NL history has built a lead that big and failed to win its division or league.

As the 162-game grind nears its end, I’ve compiled a list of 15 teams, some more realistic than others, that might change their manager, head of baseball operations or both. And that’s not including the Washington Nationals, who according to sources settled on Boston Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni as their new president of baseball operations Wednesday, but still must decide upon a general manager and manager.

I’ve separated the teams into four categories, based on how things currently appear. By the end of the postseason, even the end of the weekend, those categories might be as meaningless as the Tigers’ 99.9 percent playoff odds on Sept. 1. But here goes.

Best bets to changeColorado Rockies: GM Bill Schmidt, manager Warren Schaeffer

Actually, it’s dangerous to consider the Rockies a best bet to do anything logical, even after a season of 115 losses and counting. If they were going to fire Schmidt, they probably should have taken the same approach as the Nationals, making a change at midseason and then pursuing the best available candidates. They did nothing of the sort.

Now picture this scenario: Rockies owner Dick Monfort firing Schmidt and then interviewing a series of candidates, most or all of whom would tell him he needs to spend say, $10 million to $15 million to beef up the team’s sagging infrastructure.

Full stop! Monfort, as head of baseball’s labor policy committee, should have more insight than most about the likelihood of a lockout. And he might pass out at the thought of making a heavy investment in the club when the 2027 season might be compromised.

So, is it possible Monfort stays with Schmidt and Schaeffer for one more season, then reassesses once the labor picture is clearer? Wouldn’t be out of character, would it?

Los Angeles Angels: General manager Perry Minasian, manager Ron Washington, acting manager Ray Montgomery

The first step for Angels owner Arte Moreno is determining whether to bring back Minasian, who is presiding over his fifth straight losing season. The team is in some ways showing progress, and Moreno bears as much if not more responsibility than Minasian for the ongoing malaise. But in Arte World, anything is possible.

The decision on Washington might be, more than anything, a medical call. Washington underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery on June 30. He turns 74 next April. He told reporters he wants to return next season and “finish what we started,” but how prudent is it for him to even be thinking that way?

The Angels have played worse under Montgomery (35-49) than they did under Washington (36-38). Moreno, who chose last time between Washington and Buck Showalter, might prefer a bigger name, be it Albert Pujols, Torii Hunter or someone else.

Then again, Moreno, like Monfort, is a labor hawk. With so much uncertainty about 2027, he might be reluctant to bring in a new GM, new manager and new coaching staff. In which case his preference could be to retain Minasian, pick up Washington’s option for 2026 (if he is healthy) or bring back Montgomery.

Baltimore Orioles: Manager Tony Mansolino

Few expected Mansolino to be anything more than an interim when he replaced Brandon Hyde on May 17. But the Orioles, after going 15-28 under Hyde and losing eight of their first 12 games under Mansolino, are 55-48 since.

And that’s despite Elias trading nine players at the deadline, including four hitters.

The offense cratered, but the emergence of left-hander Trevor Rogers and return of righty Kyle Bradish helped keep the Orioles competitive. The Orioles are expected to consider outside possibilities once the season is over. But Mansolino is certain to be a candidate, too.

“I think you’ve got to make a choice when you’re in an interim situation,” Mansolino said during a recent Fox broadcast. “You’ve got to make a choice between doing the right thing by the team and the players and the group, or trying to keep the job.

“This whole time, my staff and I have made the choice to do the right thing as opposed to trying to hang onto something that might not be there. I think in doing so, we’ve won over the clubhouse, we’ve won over the team and we’ve played well since.”

The Orioles, lacking veteran leadership, would benefit from a strong presence in the dugout, the kind they once had with Buck Showalter. Whether Elias considers Mansolino to be sufficient in that regard — and the right kind of collaborative partner — remains to be seen.

Could go either wayAtlanta Braves: Manager Brian Snitker

The Braves’ prolonged struggles created an impression among many that Snitker would retire at the end of the season.

That impression may have been premature.

Earlier this month, Snitker told reporters, “I honestly don’t know where I’m going to end up and what decision I’m going to make. I still feel like there’s some unfinished business.” He did nothing Wednesday to dispel the notion that he might return, with The Athletic’s David O’Brien writing, “Snitker noted during his postgame interview that he was using the present tense and talking with optimism about next season.”

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos appears comfortable allowing Snitker to decide his own fate. The team’s recent 10-game winning streak only reinforced the industry perception that a healthier Braves team next season might again be a World Series threat.

If Brian Snitker isn’t managing the Braves in 2026, it’ll likely be his own decision. (Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)

Snitker, who turns 70 next month, seems in good health. He still connects with players. No one is blaming this season on him, and he could bow out next week to great accolades. He also would take a risk in returning if the Braves again sputtered at the start of next season.

At that point, Anthopoulos might be compelled to act. Snitker would lack the benefit of the doubt he gained by winning six straight division titles from 2018 to ‘23 and the 2021 World Series. But if you’re Snitker, why not take that chance? The worst-case scenario can’t strike again, can it?

Pittsburgh Pirates: GM Ben Cherington, manager Don Kelly

The bigger question is Cherington. The Pirates, before their recent 1-12 slide, were faring much better under Kelly than they did under Derek Shelton. And by rebounding with four straight wins, they’ve improved to 57-63 under Kelly, as opposed to 12-26 under Shelton.

Cherington, according to sources briefed on his status, is under contract for two additional years, through 2027. But after six straight losing seasons, that doesn’t necessarily make him secure. The division rival Milwaukee Brewers play in an even smaller media market, and have made the playoffs seven of the last eight years.

The last time owner Bob Nutting cleaned house, after the 2019 season, GM Neal Huntington had three years left on his deal and manager Clint Hurdle two. Nutting got stuck paying more than $10 million to people who no longer worked for him, according to a source. The cost of dismissing Cherington would be less.

Cherington drafted NL Cy Young Award favorite Paul Skenes and the game’s No. 1 prospect, shortstop Konnor Griffin. Around Skenes, he has assembled an enviable collection of young arms. If Nutting trusts Cherington to balance the team’s roster by trading pitching for hitting, the GM could end up leading the Pirates back to prominence. If not, the executive who replaces him could end up benefiting from the foundation Cherington put in place.

Minnesota Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli

Whoa, the Twins might hold Baldelli accountable after trading half their team at the deadline and dealing with their usual flurry of injuries? Yep, it’s possible.

The Twins have won only one playoff series in seven seasons under Baldelli. They started this one 7-15, went on a 19-5 run, then collapsed again. As they get younger, they might simply decide they want a firmer hand and a fresh voice.

But hold on.

The Twins’ offensive production has improved by about a quarter-run per game since Baldelli told his players on Aug. 18 to start running the bases more aggressively. They have been the best base running team in the majors by a wide margin in that stretch. If they hadn’t traded their top five relievers at the deadline, maybe they would be winning more games.

San Francisco Giants: Manager Bob Melvin

The Giants are among the many clubs this season to experience wild extremes. But unlike, say, the Cleveland Guardians, their final turn was in the wrong direction.

All things seemed possible on June 15, the day new president of baseball operations Buster Posey acquired Rafael Devers. Posey then took the bold step on July 1 of exercising Melvin’s option for 2026 in the middle of a 1-7 stretch. But at the deadline he traded two of the team’s best relievers, Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval, and things got even crazier.

From mid-July to mid-August, the Giants were 1-15 at home. Just when Melvin appeared in serious trouble, the team revived with an 11-1 burst. And then, just when it appeared the wild card might be within reach, the Giants fell apart again in their current 3-9 skid.

The rotation collapsed. The bullpen was further depleted by the season-ending losses of Randy Rodriguez and Erik Miller. The offense is inconsistent, and the defense entered Thursday ranked 23rd in Outs Above Average.

Much of this is beyond Melvin’s control. His players are publicly supportive of him. And the Giants have fired their manager or team president in each of the past two seasons, so a little continuity might be in order.

Then again, this is the Giants’ fourth straight losing season, and their second under Melvin. How patient is Posey? We’re about to find out.

Athletics: General manager David Forst

The A’s first year in Sacramento, bolstered by Rookie of the Year candidates Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, has been largely a success. Outside of a 1-20 stretch between May 14 and June 4, the team is 11 games over .500. Entering Thursday, their record since July 23 was the fifth-best in the majors.

The only reason Forst makes this list is because his contract is about to expire. It’s reasonable to assume he wants to keep pushing the club forward. It’s also reasonable to assume that owner John Fisher would prefer not to look for a new head of baseball operations with the team already in transition while awaiting its move to Las Vegas.

Forst currently is in discussions with Fisher about his future, according to sources briefed on the talks. A two-year deal to take Forst through the team’s time in West Sacramento might be one possibility. A longer deal to keep the GM in place for the move to Las Vegas would be another.

Texas Rangers: Manager Bruce Bochy

The difference between Bochy and Snitker is that the Rangers’ outlook for next season does not appear as bright as the Braves’.

The Rangers’ belated wild-card run sputtered during their recent eight-game losing streak. Their offense, which entered Thursday tied for 21st in runs per game, was again a disappointment. And after ownership approved a top-six Opening Day payroll in an effort to get Bochy a fifth World Series title, the team’s declining media revenue almost certainly will lead to a reduction in spending.

Bochy turns 71 next April. With the team’s upside seemingly limited, he might not want to sign up for another season of potential frustration. Like Snitker, he would be welcome as a special assistant in the front office if he no longer wants to manage. His son, Brett, works in the Rangers’ pro scouting department.

The Rangers have a ready-made replacement for Bochy — former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker, who joined the organization as a senior advisor last November. Schumaker figures to be a top candidate for other openings as well.

Would take something calamitousNew York Yankees: Manager Aaron Boone

Much as some Yankees fans wanted Boone fired 627 times already, here are the facts:

Since Boone took over in 2018, the Yankees’ regular-season winning percentage is third only to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. The only year in which they missed the playoffs was 2023. They rebounded to reach the World Series in ‘24. And, after a particularly rocky journey in ‘25, they are 21-8 since Aug. 23, second only to Cleveland’s 22-8 mark.

That said, the Yankees never seem far away from another implosion. An early elimination again would raise the noise level among fans, particularly if sloppy play is again the team’s undoing. But even then, Yankees GM Brian Cashman might be disinclined to part with a manager he considers a good partner.

Boone in February signed an extension through 2027. The Yankees’ late-season surge has him looking, at least for the moment, safe again. Ditto for Cashman, who has presided over 27 consecutive winning seasons as GM.

Philadelphia Phillies: Manager Rob Thomson

As is the case with Boone, Thomson’s regular-season record is above reproach. Since taking over for Joe Girardi on June 3, 2022, he has guided the Phillies to the third-best mark in the majors, behind only the Dodgers and Braves.

When it comes to the postseason, though, the Phillies under Thomson are going backwards. They reached the World Series in 2022. Lost the 2023 NLCS by blowing a three-games-to-two lead at home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Were upset again in the 2024 Division Series by the New York Mets after winning the NL East by six games.

The Phillies currently have the second-best record in the NL and have earned a bye to the DS. Yet even without injured right-hander Zack Wheeler, many consider them a more complete team than the club with the top mark, the Milwaukee Brewers.

The low-key Thomson still appears a perfect match for his grizzled, veteran players. The question is whether another early exit would make president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski restless. Dombrowski, by adding closer Jhoan Duran, right-hander David Robertson and center fielder Harrison Bader in July, gave Thomson seemingly everything he needs.

Houston Astros: Manager Joe Espada

No rational person would hold Espada responsible for the Astros potentially missing the playoffs for the first time in a full season since 2016. But owner Jim Crane can be unpredictable, and might not react calmly to his team blowing a postseason berth after leading the AL West by seven games on July 6.

Still, the story of the Astros’ season is injuries. The team had 18 players on the IL at one point, including eight starting pitchers. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez missed almost three months with a hand issue, returned for a little more than three weeks, then went down again with a sprained left ankle. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, infielder Isaac Paredes and closer Josh Hader, among others, also missed significant time.

Before the Astros lost control of the AL West last weekend, getting swept at home by the Seattle Mariners, Espada was a candidate for AL Manager of the Year. By any objective analysis, he defied the odds by keeping the Astros in contention for so long as he did.

St. Louis Cardinals: Manager Oli Marmol

Back in April, Marmol made my list of nine managers whose job status could be in question by the end of the season. Judging by the usual standards, he seemed almost the definition of a manager in trouble.

The Cardinals were transitioning from the man who hired Marmol, John Mozeliak, to a new president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom. Two of their former legends, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, were making no secret of their desire to manage. Another former Cardinal, Skip Schumaker, was available after leaving the Miami Marlins.

On top of all that, the Cardinals were taking a half-hearted approach to contending in 2025, saying they wanted to evaluate young players. Yet, they were a surprising nine games over .500 on June 29, and remained close to .500 ball even after trading relievers Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton and Steven Matz at the deadline.

Marmol, who opened up to The Athletic last month about his uncertain position, is under contract through next season. Bloom ultimately might go in another direction. But it would be an upset if it happened right away.

Oh, and lest we forgetNew York Mets: Manager Carlos MendozaDetroit Tigers: Manager A.J. Hinch

Yes, we’re grouping The Collapse Brothers together. Both their teams still could make the postseason. But if they don’t . . . well, it might get loud.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns continues to insist Mendoza is doing a good job. It seems doubtful owner Steve Cohen would override his top executive, particularly when the $340 million Mets are relying on three rookie starting pitchers. But the Mets are 36-53 since June 12, the fifth-worst record in the majors.

Hinch, who will begin an extension of unspecified length next season, would appear even safer than Mendoza, whose last guaranteed season is 2026. But the Tigers have dropped eight straight. Their 12 1/2-game lead over the Guardians on Aug. 25 is now a one-game deficit. They are not quite the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies, who lost 10 straight to blow a 6 1/2-game lead with 12 to play. But if they miss the playoffs entirely, Hinch could go down as a latter-day Gene Mauch.

What a season. What a sport. No lead, no job, is safe.

(Top photo of Ron Washington: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images)