The Arizona Diamondbacks are waiting for the postseason to end and free agency to begin before they can start 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 concludes.

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

The financial backdrop 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 free agent worth monitoring is Jonathan Loáisiga.

It has been several years since Loáisiga emerged during the late 2010s and appeared capable of becoming the next major pitcher for the New York Yankees.

He did not truly establish himself as a notable reliever until 2021. Injuries then disrupted his career and forced him to spend several seasons attempting to regain his previous form.

Loáisiga pitched well for Arizona in 2026, perhaps well enough to make retaining him financially difficult.

The 31-year-old from Nicaragua posted a 2.42 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 67 innings over 67 appearances. Manager Torey Lovullo relied heavily on him throughout the season.

Loáisiga recorded two saves and 10 holds while issuing only 13 walks to the 261 batters he faced.

One concern is that he struck out only 48 hitters. Another is that much of his success was driven by holding right-handed batters to a .415 OPS.

However, there may still be additional potential within a pitch mix that includes five offerings.

Loáisiga has positioned himself to receive a multi-year contract with an average annual value between $5 million and $8 million. That price will likely prevent the Diamondbacks from bringing him back.

Loáisiga’s appeal begins with his ability to challenge hitters without creating unnecessary traffic.

Relievers who consistently throw strikes can enter difficult situations without making them worse, an important consideration for teams seeking stability during the middle and later innings.

Loáisiga also demonstrated that Lovullo could call upon him frequently. After several injury-plagued years, handling a demanding bullpen role helped restore confidence in his availability.

His varied repertoire gives him several ways to attack opponents. Even without relying on a large strikeout total, he can change speeds, disrupt timing and prevent hitters from focusing on one offering.

Arizona would benefit from retaining that dependable presence, but its reduced payroll creates a difficult choice. Loáisiga rebuilt his market during 2026, and the performance that made him valuable to the Diamondbacks may ultimately lead him elsewhere.