The offseason started weeks ago, but let’s take an updated look at the offseason calendar as the news and rumors slow down for Thanksgiving. There’s a lot to keep track of in the first full offseason under the sport’s new collective bargaining agreement, so MLBTR has compiled a timeline of offseason events. Here’s what has already happened:
- Immediately after World Series – Eligible players hit free agency
- Three days after World Series – Option decisions due
- Five days after World Series – Qualifying offers due
- Six days after World Series – Free agents can sign contracts with teams other than their former clubs
- 12 days after World Series – Players must accept or reject qualifying offers
- November 7th – 9th - GM Meetings
- November 20th – Deadline for setting 40-man roster in advance of Rule 5 Draft
Here’s what’s ahead:
- November 30th – Deadline for teams to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players
- December 3rd – 6th – Winter Meetings
- December 6th – Rule 5 Draft takes place at Winter Meetings
- January 18th - Teams, players exchange arbitration figures
- February 1st – 21st - Arbitration hearings take place in Phoenix
- March 2nd – 11th – Teams can renew contracts of unsigned pre-arbitration eligible players
Dates via MLB.com, the Kansas City Star and USA Today.
