With the World Series now complete, the 2022-23 MLB offseason officially is underway for all 30 teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers saw 10 players reach free agency on Sunday morning, including Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson, Trea Turner and Andrew Heaney.
The Dodgers — and all teams — have a five-day window to exclusively negotiate with their own free agents. Players and agents are permitted to have contact with other teams so long as contract terms are not discussed.
In addition, the Dodgers have until 2 p.m. PT on Thursday to decide whether to exercise club options on Justin Turner, Hanser Alberto, Danny Duffy and Jimmy Nelson.
While last year saw the offseason delayed by the MLB lockout due to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, this year there is no looming threat of a potential lockout, which means there won’t be a dead period of three months.
Some teams have already begun to make moves, with the Atlanta Braves acquiring Sam Hilliard from the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets reportedly agreeing to re-sign All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
For the Dodgers, some important dates to keep an eye on are November 10, when teams must decide on contract options, and Nov. 15, when teams need to set their 40-man roster before the Rule 5 Draft. The Dodgers have multiple prospects who need to be protected, including Diego Cartaya, Andy Pages, Michael Busch and Jos Ramos.
In addition, Nov. 18 represents an important date for the Dodgers as that is the last day to potentially non-tender a player. Cody Bellinger is among the top candidates to not have his contract tendered and thus become a free agent.
Following the offseason, the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is also set to take place for the first time since 2017 when the United States took the Gold Medal at Dodger Stadium over Puerto Rico.
The WBC was originally set to be played in 2021, but it was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The tournament features 20 countries competing over a 14-day period. The games will be played in Taichung (Taiwan), Tokyo (Japan), Phoenix, Az. and Miami, Fl.
Important MLB offseason dates (all times PT)
Sunday, Nov. 6: Free agency officially begins, but players are only allowed to negotiate with their previous team for five days. In addition, the trade market is also once again fully open.
Monday, Nov. 7: BBWAA awards finalists announced. This includes Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young and MVP Awards.
Monday-Thursday, Nov. 7-10: General Managers meetings take place in Las Vegas.
Thursday, Nov. 10: 2 p.m. deadline to issue qualifying offer ($19.65 million) to eligible free agents.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Free agent market officially opens at 2 p.m., and all free agents are eligible to sign with any organization.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Most decisions on contract options (club, team, mutual and opt-outs) are due. Some contracts specify a different date on when the decision is due.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Silver Slugger winners announced, including the new utility player category.
Monday, Nov. 14: Rookie of the Year winners revealed on MLB Network at 3 p.m. Due to the CBA agreed to last offseason, the top two finishers in the American and National League will receive a full year of Major League service time.
Tuesday, Nov. 15: Manager of the Year winners revealed on MLB Network at 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 15: Teams must set their 40-man rosters prior to the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
Tuesday, Nov. 15: Deadline for the free agents who were issued a qualifying offer to accept or decline it.
Wednesday, Nov. 16: Cy Young Award winners revealed on MLB Network at 3 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 17: MVP winners revealed on MLB Network at 3 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18: The non-tender deadline for teams to decide whether or not to offer a contract to arbitration-eligible players.
Monday, Nov. 21: The 2023 Hall of Fame ballot is released.
Sunday, Dec. 4: The Hall of Fame’s Contemporary Baseball Era voting results are announced on MLB Network at 5 p.m.
Sunday-Wednesday, Dec. 4-7: Annual Winter Meetings that are taking place in San Diego this year.
Wednesday, Dec. 7: The Rule 5 Draft takes place. It was canceled last season due to the MLB lockout.
Friday, Jan. 13: Deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to submit their salary numbers for the 2023 season.
Sunday, Jan. 15: International signing window opens, which lasts 11 months until it closes on Friday, Dec. 15. However, many of the top prospects sign immediately.
Tuesday, Jan. 24 MLB Hall of Fame class of 2023 announced on MLB Network at 3 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 30-Friday, Feb. 17: Arbitration hearings take place.
Friday, Feb. 24: Spring Training games begin.
Wednesday, March 8: The 2023 World Baseball Classic begins.
Tuesday, March 21: The 2023 World Baseball Classic ends.
Thursday, March 30: 2023 Opening Day.
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