The Diamondbacks are still searching for their next closer this offseason.

It hasn’t been for lack of effort, as they’ve inquired about Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley and got rebuffed before Williams was traded to the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals choosing to hold onto Helsley to start the 2025 season.

To make matters worse, Kirby Yates, another closer who they were linked to, has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers have built quite the bullpen, adding top free agent reliever Tanner Scott in addition to Yates. They also retained key free agent reliever Blake Treinen.

Los Angeles has flexed its financial muscles over the past decade, looking to build a dynasty reminiscent of the days they dominated the National League in the 1950s and 60s.

On Sunday, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen told The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro they are still looking for another late-inning arm and a right-handed bat.

The need for a late-inning arm, preferably one who can slot into the closer role, is important given how the lack of stability at that spot undermined their 2024 season.

Paul Sewald, who has since signed with the Cleveland Guardians last week, struggled in the second half of the season and lost the role. No player, with right-hander Justin Martinez getting the most opportunities, was able to step up and seize the opportunity.

They have a couple of internal options worth considering between AJ Puk and Kevin Ginkel. Ginkel is a battle-tested late-inning arm from their postseason run in 2023 and Puk was the most dominant left-handed reliever since the Diamondbacks acquired him in July.

As more closers are coming off the market, the Diamondbacks’ options are becoming more limited. The free agent market still holds plenty of options for a veteran closer between Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, and David Robertson.

However, the going rate for a closer in free agency will cost Arizona at least $10 million per season. Finnegan, who was non-tendered ahead of his final year of salary arbitration despite being named an All-Star in 2024, would be the least expensive of the group.

Arizona could go a different route to acquire a closer, with the trade route a possibility.

Pete Fairbanks from Tampa is another arm linked to Arizona, but he comes with significant injury red flags and has yet to prove he can handle a full season’s workload. Another team they could contact is the Baltimore Orioles, and check on the availability of Seranthony Dominiguez, who has closer experience from his time in Philadelphia.

There’s still time, but it definitely doesn’t feel good the Dodgers continue to build a mega bullpen at the Diamondbacks’ expense.