PHOENIX -- The D-backs enter the offseason with plenty of questions after a 52-110 finish to the 2021 season, and they know they have a lot of work ahead of them.

"We expect to move the ball forward next year," general manager Mike Hazen said. "I'm not going to sell the team short, but I'm also not going to be unrealistic about realizing that we’re a 52-win team. You might get tired of me saying that, but I'm going to keep saying it because I want us all to remember where we are right now.

"It’s in easily the worst place that I've ever sat -- and I'm responsible for it, so it's even more painful -- but I don't want to be back here again. We’re going to move the ball forward next year and part of that, yes, I always believe is going to be engaging the markets and figuring out how we can continue to make our team better."

Here are some frequently asked questions as the Hot Stove season approaches:

What has the front office been up to lately?
Since the end of the season, the D-backs sorted out which coaches were coming back in 2022. Recently, the club has been interviewing to fill its vacancies, no small feat considering Arizona has numerous spots open and making the right hires are crucial. With a number of other teams in the market for coaches, the process is not a simple one.

Which players have contract options that need to be addressed?
The D-backs have three players with contract options for 2022, and the club will have to make decisions on those players right after the World Series is over.

Arizona has a club option on outfielder Kole Calhoun for $9 million, and the team will owe him a $2 million buyout if it declines the option, which seems likely.

The D-backs hold a $4.25 million club option on right-hander Merrill Kelly, which they will all but certainly pick up. Kelly would be owed a $500,000 buyout.

Reliever Tyler Clippard has a mutual option for $3.5 million. Should he choose to exercise it, Arizona would either accept it, which seems unlikely, or instead pay him a $500,000 buyout.

What about free agents?
The D-backs do not have any pending free agents that they need to make decisions on.

Which players are eligible for salary arbitration?
The D-backs have six arbitration-eligible players: Carson Kelly, Noé Ramirez, Caleb Smith, Christian Walker, Luke Weaver and J.B. Wendelken. Arizona has until 5 p.m. MST on Dec. 1 to sign the players to a contract or offer them arbitration -- referred to as tendering them a contract.

The club faces some tough decisions when it comes to tendering contracts. Carson Kelly will certainly be tendered. Wendelken will likely be tendered given how he pitched down the stretch after being claimed off waivers from the A's. Weaver also seems likely to be tendered.

Walker seemed like a sure thing before the 2021 season started, but after he struggled throughout, he could be non-tendered. Whether Smith is tendered depends on what the club sees his role being for 2022.

Ramirez is a player the team could try and reach a deal with before the deadline.

When are the GM Meetings?
Nov. 8-11 in Carlsbad, Calif.

When are the Winter Meetings?
Dec. 6-9 in Orlando, Fla.

When is the Rule 5 Draft?
Dec. 8 at the Winter Meetings.

When does the Basic Agreement expire?
The Basic Agreement expires on Dec. 1 and negotiations between the two sides are currently ongoing.

What are the D-backs biggest needs this offseason?
When you lose 110 games, it generally means there's room for improvement across the board, but there are some areas the D-backs will no doubt focus on.

The bullpen will need to be rebuilt, and some of that will come from outside the organization while some help will come from the Minor Leagues. Hazen said the D-backs would be open to using some of their younger starters in the bullpen as a way of breaking them into the big leagues.

Adding to starting pitching depth is going to be a focus, and Arizona could look to add a third baseman or additional position players to have more depth, options and competition heading into Spring Training.

The D-backs are not expected to be in the market for any of the big-ticket free agents out there, but they've surprised in the past and it's a front office that is not hesitant to get creative.