The Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to make moves that can improve their roster.

General manager Mike Hazen and his baseball operations group are preparing for an uncertain offseason because of the possibility of an impending lockout.

A large group of Diamondbacks players are now free agents.

Arizona’s financial situation will influence every decision. Ownership has indicated that payroll will be reduced, with some departing free agents replaced by younger players who have not reached arbitration eligibility.

The Diamondbacks entered 2026 with another talented collection of starting pitchers. However, the five pitchers who begin a season in the rotation are rarely enough to carry a team through an entire 162-game schedule.

Corbin Burnes decided not to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, but the Diamondbacks will likely lose Zac Gallen in free agency.

Gallen struggled during the season and dealt with inflammation in his right elbow, creating further uncertainty within Arizona’s pitching plans.

Those potential departures could leave Burnes, Eduardo Rodríguez, Ryne Nelson, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt as the remaining rotation options.

Adding depth is just as important as identifying the pitchers at the top of the rotation.

Arizona should explore re-signing Michael Soroka, who has expressed his desire to return, while also pursuing another starter from outside the organization.

Had Soroka remained healthy throughout the season, he might have challenged Rodríguez for recognition as the Diamondbacks’ ace.

Arizona signed Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million contract during the offseason. He performed much more like the pitcher who earned an All-Star selection with the Atlanta Braves in 2019.

Soroka went 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 116 innings over 22 appearances (21 starts) in 2026, representing his largest workload since 2019.

Retaining Soroka would provide Arizona with more than another rotation option. He already understands the team, its coaches and the expectations surrounding the pitching staff.

That familiarity could allow him to enter 2027 without requiring an extended adjustment period. It would also give the Diamondbacks a starter who demonstrated that he can handle regular turns in the rotation when healthy.

Soroka’s ability to rebuild his career after several difficult seasons reflects persistence and adaptability. He regained enough consistency to become one of Arizona’s most dependable pitchers rather than merely serving as temporary depth.

His willingness to return also matters for a team facing considerable uncertainty. Soroka knows the environment and has already shown that the partnership can benefit both sides.

Given the possible departures and reduced payroll, Soroka may be the Diamondbacks free agent they cannot afford to lose. His performances during 2026 earned him that consideration.