The Arizona Diamondbacks have been forced to confront the harsh reality of another offseason without postseason baseball after being eliminated from contention in Game 162 of the regular season against the San Diego Padres.

With a potential lockout looming, Arizona must find a way to navigate several difficult decisions. Some of those choices may not be entirely under the organization’s control.

One of the most important situations involves right-hander Corbin Burnes, who has an opt-out clause in his contract after the first two years of his franchise-record six-year, $210 million agreement.

Burnes has thrown just 74.2 innings over 14 starts in two years with the Diamondbacks. He underwent Tommy John surgery midway through the 2025 season before right shoulder inflammation interrupted his rehabilitation in 2026 and delayed his return until September.

When Burnes finally returned, he did not have enough time or enough appearances to regain anything close to his full form. He posted a 7.84 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 10.1 innings across three starts this season.

That was neither surprising nor automatically a reason for concern. Recovering from a major elbow operation is already demanding, and the shoulder inflammation further complicated his attempt to rebuild strength, command and consistency.

However, Burnes is still owed $140 million over the remaining four years of his contract. His agreement also includes a limited no-trade clause.

If Burnes exercises his opt-out, the Diamondbacks will have another opening to fill in their starting rotation.

Eduardo Rodríguez, Ryne Nelson, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt would be the only starters under contract in that scenario, leaving Arizona needing to add at least two starting pitchers.

Burnes remaining with the Diamondbacks is almost guaranteed, but that outcome would bring its own complications.

Arizona has carried record payrolls in recent years, and Burnes’ remaining salary could restrict the team’s flexibility in free agency and on the trade market.

The Diamondbacks must strengthen other areas of the roster while accounting for one of the largest financial commitments in team history.

Burnes still gives Arizona something difficult to acquire: a proven pitcher capable of leading a rotation when healthy.

His experience allows him to understand how to prepare between starts, evaluate his delivery and make adjustments when his command is not sharp.

His willingness to return late in the season after multiple setbacks also demonstrated persistence.

Burnes could have treated 2026 solely as a recovery year, but he worked his way back onto the mound and gave himself an opportunity to identify what still required improvement.

The Diamondbacks will need patience as he continues rebuilding. Burnes must recover his rhythm without attempting to force immediate results or compensate mechanically for the time he missed.

His composure, preparation and determination can provide stability for a rotation carrying significant uncertainty. Arizona’s financial concerns are legitimate, but a healthy Burnes remains central to its attempt to return to the postseason.