In the midst of the World Series, it is important to get out your google calendars and get prepared for the offseason. Below are the important dates to remember.
One day after World Series ends: All players eligible can file for free agency. This also starts the clock on a five-day quiet period. During this time teams can negotiate exclusively with their own free agents but cannot sign anybody.
After a five-day quiet period: Clubs must now decide whether or not to extend one-year qualifying offers to their free agents. The qualifying offer is estimated to be around $18.5 million this offseason. Also after the 5-day quiet period, teams must decide whether or not to pick up player options for 2020. Last, the day after the five-day quiet period free agents can sign with any team. This is the official start of free agency.
November
November 3: Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners are announced. (No Rangers are expected to win any of these.)
November 4: The top three finalists in each of the BBWAA’s (Baseball Writers Association of America Awards) four major awards categories will be revealed on the MLB network. (No top three from Rangers although they might have two in the top 10 of Cy Young)
November 6: Wilson Defensive Players of the Year announced.
November 7: Silver Slugger Awards announced.
November 11-14: General Managers meetings, Scottsdale, AZ. (Trade proposals likely start being discussed)
November 11: Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year announced.
November 12: Managers of the Year announced.
November 13: Cy Young Awards announced.
November 14: MVP award announced. It is also the deadline fro free agents to accept qualifying offers.
November 18: Comeback Players of the Year announced. (Hunter Pence is a leading candidate)
Listen to Rangers Nation Podcast for updates.
November 19: DH of the Year announced. (Choo had a great year. Maybe a long shot)
November 19-21: MLB Owners Meetings, Arlington, Texas.
December
December 2: Non-tender deadline (last day for teams to offer 2020 contracts to unsigned players on their 40 man rosters)
December 8: Hall of Fame Modern Baseball committee announced.
December 9-12: MLB Winter Meetings, San Diego, CA. (Lots of action in free agency and trades usually happen here)
December 12: Rule 5 Draft. Teams choose non-exempt players from other clubs’ minor league systems. Those players must remain on selecting teams 25 man roster for the duration of the season or be offered back to their original club.
January/February
January 10, 2020: Players and teams exchange salary arbitration figures.
February 3-21: Arbitration hearings
With the World Series wrapping up things are about to get cooking this offseason. The Rangers will have one of the busiest offseasons in years. They should be active in all aspects of acquiring talent.
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