The Kansas City Royals trounced the New York Mets in extra innings last night winning the World Series and officially ending the 2015 season. The Brewers have been in offseason mode for a while now reconstructing their coaching staff and front office. But now the offseason is well and truly upon us. With that in mind I wanted to present to you a list of the important dates from now until the start of next season.
Friday, Nov 6: Free agency begins - While technically free agency began the moment the World Series ended, free agents aren't allowed to talk with other clubs until five days after the WS ends. Those five days are called "The Quiet Period."
Monday-Thursday, Nov 9-12: GM Meetings - These aren't as important as the Winter Meetings and are treated with much less fanfare. There might be a small trade or a signing but this usually acts as precursor to trades and signings at the Winter Meetings.
Tuesday, Nov 10: BBWAA Finalists announced; Gold Glove Awards
Thursday, Nov 12: Silver Slugger Awards
Monday, Nov 16: Rookie of the Year Awards
Tuesday, Nov 17: Manager of the Year Awards
Wednesday, Nov 18: AL and NL Cy Young Awards
Thursday, Nov 19: AL and NL MVP Awards
Friday, Nov 20: Last Day to Protect Players from Rule 5 - Players that meet certain requirements are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft that takes place at the end of the Winter Meetings. In order to protect eligible players they have to be added to the 40-man roster. (h/t jorgejuliomachado)
Monday-Thursday, Dec 7-10: The Winter Meetings - This is the biggest event of the offseason. Often the bigger free agents will wait to sign either here or shortly afterwards. This is also a time when many big trades happen. All the 30 General Managers and their most trusted advisers are here. All the players' agents are here. A large contingent of reporters join them. It can actually be quite an exciting week.
Thursday, Dec 10 - Rule 5 Draft
Thursday, Jan 7 - Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Tuesday, Jan 12 - Salary Arbitration Filing
Friday, Jan 15 - Salary Arbitration Figures Exchanged
Feb 1-21 - Arbitration Hearings
Thursday, Feb 18 - Voluntary Reporting Day for Pitchers and Catchers
Tuesday, Feb 23 - Voluntary Reporting Day for Other Players
Tuesday, Mar 1 - Mandatory Reporting Day
Sunday, Apr 3 - Sunday Night MLB Opener
Monday, Apr 4 - Opening Day
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So there you have it. Those are all the dates I thought were worth mentioning. Kyle already got you started with an article about the arb-eligible Brewers earlier today. We'll also be looking at the 40-Man roster, departing free agents, players with options, and other free agency/offseason related topics this week. It's going to be a long winter but we'll get through it together!