By this time tomorrow, both League Championship series could be wrapped up. The Astros host the Rangers in a winner-take-all Game 7 tonight, and the Phillies return to Philadelphia, where they have yet to lose in the postseason, with a 3-2 lead in the series. In a little over a week, the Commissioner’s Trophy will be raised, and after that, it’s onto the offseason for all 30 MLB teams.

MLB Important Offseason Dates

5 Days After the World Series

In the five days following the World Series, teams can discuss contract extensions with their internal free agents. During this time, teams and players will also have to decide on their pending options. The Braves have several players with club options, and none of them are no-brainers. The most notable of the bunch are Charlie Morton and Eddie Rosario. After those five days, MLB free agency begins.

November 17th — Non-Tender Deadline

By November 17th, clubs must decide whether to tender a contract to each of their arbitration candidates. The figures will be discussed at a later date, but any player that is not tendered a contract will become a free agent. The Braves have 13 arbitration eligible players this offseason, and I would say at least half of them could be non-tendered.

December 4th-7th — Winter Meetings

The winter meetings will take place in Nashville, and this is typically where the fun really begins. Expect a whole bunch of free agent signings during these dates and perhaps even some blockbuster trades.

December 7th — Rule 5 Draft

If a player signed at the age of 18 or younger is not added to a club’s 40-man roster within five years of the signing, he is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. For players signed at the age of 19 years or older, they must be added to the 40-man roster within four seasons. Clubs can protect these players by adding them to the 40-man roster. If they don’t, they can be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. The only caveat is if they are selected, they must remain on that team’s 26-man roster for the entire season.

February — Arbitration Figures Determined

After arbitration eligible players are tendered a contract in November, they have plenty of time to reach a deal with their team that determines their salary for 2024. Most players will come to an agreement, but for those who don’t, an arbitration hearing will decide their salary before the start of the season.

February 24th — Braves First Spring Training Game

On February 24th, the Braves will kick off their Spring Training schedule against the Rays.

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