2019-2020 MLB Off Season Important Dates

Congratulations to the Washington Nationals for winning the 2019 World Series. The final out of game 7 wrapped up the 2019 season and the off season has officially begun. Here are some key dates to remember as the Angels and the rest of MLB prepare for the 2020 season.

October 31st: free agency officially began today. Players no longer file for free agency, it just automatically happens once you hit 6 full years of service time. For the next 5 days, teams have an exclusive window to negotiate with their free agents.

November 2nd: Most decisions on options are due on Saturday, November 2nd. For the Angels, that means Kole Calhoun’s status should be clear on this day. In broader baseball, World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg is the biggest name out there with a player option.

November 4th: final day for teams to offer Qualifying Offers to free agents. Any player declining a QO will have draft pick compensation attached to them which provides a deterrent for signing teams. Any player accepting a QO is guaranteed a 1 year deal in the neighborhood of $18 million. Didi Gregorious is probably the biggest question mark out there with the premier free agents such as Gerritt Cole and Anthony Rendon locks to receive one.

Also on this day, finalists for the BBWAA awards will be announce.

November 11-14: GM meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona. Normally not the hottest of hot stove periods, but definitely a chance for some trades or at least some groundwork laid for trades later.

November 14: this is the deadline for players who receive a Qualifying Offer to accept or decline the proposal.

Also, MVP winners announced. Will Mike Trout snag another MVP?

December 2nd: non-tender deadline. Players who are arbitration eligible must either be tendered a contract or be allowed to enter the free agent pool.

December 9-12: Winter Meetings in San Diego. Normally a bonanza of free agent signings and trades, the Winter Meetings are in our back yard. The Rule V draft is the last order of business on the 12th before GMs head back home.

Mid February: Pitchers and catchers report!