Morosi: Diamondbacks extend manager Chip Hale through at least 2017

The Arizona Diamondbacks have extended manager Chip Hale's contract through at least the 2017 season, FOX Sports MLB Insider Jon Paul Morosi first reported Thursday.

Source: #DBacks have extended contract of manager Chip Hale through at least 2017. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 18, 2016

Hale led the Diamondbacks to a 79-83 record and a third-place finish in the NL West in his first season as a major-league manager in 2015.

But the expectations are much higher as the team reports to spring training.

Arizona reloaded this offseason by signing ace Zack Greinke and reliever Tyler Clippard, and acquiring right-hander Shelby Miller and shortstop Jean Segura in trades.