The Arizona Diamondbacks are waiting for the postseason to conclude and free agency to begin before making moves to 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.

One certainty is that a large group of Diamondbacks players will become free agents the day after the World Series ends.

Teams receive an exclusive five-day window to negotiate with and sign their own free agents. After the fifth day following the World Series, those players may sign with any team.

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

One outside free agent worth monitoring is Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips.

Phillips was the Dodgers’ best reliever during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, he endured a difficult 2024 campaign, posting a 3.62 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 54.2 innings over 61 appearances.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025, and the recovery process kept him out of action for more than one year.

Phillips finally returned to the mound against the Colorado Rockies on July 7.

His overall performance this season was respectable but unspectacular. The right-hander recorded a 3.46 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 26 innings across 31 appearances.

Phillips also performed his best work against right-handed batters. He limited them to a .642 OPS in 55 at-bats, while left-handed hitters produced a .786 OPS against him in 42 at-bats.

His recent injury history and uneven results could make him available within Arizona’s financial range. The Diamondbacks would not need to treat him as the unquestioned answer for the most important innings, but he could compete for a meaningful bullpen role.

Phillips brings experience pitching in demanding situations for a team carrying World Series expectations. That background could help him handle late-game assignments without allowing the pressure of the moment to change his approach.

His effectiveness against right-handed hitters would also give manager Torey Lovullo a clear way to deploy him. Phillips could enter against a difficult portion of an opposing lineup rather than being restricted to one permanently assigned inning.

Arizona would still need to evaluate his health carefully after Tommy John surgery and a limited return season. A shorter contract would reduce the financial risk while giving Phillips an opportunity to rebuild his market.

For the Diamondbacks, the appeal would center on acquiring a reliever with previous success at a manageable price.

Phillips would offer experience, a defined matchup advantage and the possibility of returning closer to the form that once made him Los Angeles’ leading bullpen option.