MLB’s offseason schedule: The key moments for contracts, awards and free agency

Baseball is a game that spans over seven weeks of spring training, 162 regular-season games, and four rounds of postseason play. It may seem like it takes forever, but when the season ends, it’s over in an instant. Just a few hours ago, we were watching the Fall Classic, and this morning, we woke up to the start of baseball’s winter. The offseason is here, and it’s a crucial time for every team.

During the next three months, we can’t predict what your team will do, but we can provide you with the order in which some significant events will occur. Here is baseball’s offseason schedule, featuring notable benchmarks that guide the way:

Today – Eligible players become free agents

Just last night, Jordan Montgomery won a World Series with the Rangers. However, today he is no longer playing for them. Players with expiring contracts become free agents the day after the World Series ends, although this may not be as significant as it seems. Teams have a five-day window to negotiate exclusively with their own free agents, but very few deals are typically signed during this time. True open-market free agency begins in five days, but trades are immediately back on the table.

Next five days – Defining the market

The five days between the World Series and the start of open-market free agency are crucial for settling uncertainties about player availability. Teams and players have five days to decide on contractual options. Players like Cody Bellinger, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Joey Votto are expected to decline their options, while others like Josh Bell, Tim Anderson, and Kyle Hendricks have less clear situations. Additionally, qualifying offers will be extended, teams need to remove players from the injured list to make room on the roster, and Gold Glove Awards will be announced.

November 7-9 – General Manager Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.

These meetings are an opportunity for heads of baseball operations to discuss the offseason ahead and share hints about their plans. Rumors about potential rule adjustments and other behind-the-scenes issues are also discussed.

November 9 – Silver Slugger Awards announced

The winners of the Silver Slugger Awards, which recognize the best offensive players at each position, will be announced on MLB Network.

November 13-16 – BBWAA Awards week

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) awards will be announced one night at a time on MLB Network. This includes the Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young Award, and MVP. The winners are decided by a vote of baseball writers from across the country.

November 14 – Rule 5 protection deadline

Minor league players with four or five years of experience must be added to the 40-man roster or become available to other teams in the Rule 5 draft. Some notable players have been lost in previous Rule 5 drafts, so this deadline is significant.

November 17 – Non-tender deadline

Teams must decide by mid-November who to offer contracts to and who to non-tender. Non-tendering a player means not offering them a contract for the next season, typically due to their expected salary exceeding their value to the team.

So, while we can’t say for certain what your favorite team will do this offseason, at least now you know the schedule and key events to look out for. It’s an exciting time for baseball fans as we wait to see how the offseason unfolds!