Key offseason dates for the Atlanta Braves
We're just a few weeks away from baseball's offseason, which is, in some ways, a magical time: Everyone's back on even footing, for the most part, with the ability to improve their roster as they further the goal of winning a World Series.
That's obviously not how it works for everyone, obviously. There's teams we know won't be contending for the World Series, just as we know there's teams that won't be heavily involved in the free agency market, especially when it comes to the top tier free agents.
But either way, it's important, and we've got the dates you need to know about as the winter unfolds:
Thursday, November 2nd - Players become free agents
Players become free agents the day after the World Series concludes. From there, their 2023 team has four days of exclusive negotiation with them to reach a new contract for 2024. On the 5th day after the World Series, any free agents are allowed to sign with any organization.
All contract options, whether team, player, or mutual options, must be exercised during this five day period. Qualifying offers must be extended by the team and officially decisioned (accepted or rejected) by the player during this period, as well.
Another complicating factor at this date is all players on the 60-Day injured list must be either activated and put on the 40-man roster or be released (or traded) by this point, as well.
UPDATE: With the Texas Rangers winning the World Series on Wednesday, November 1st, free agency is set to officially kick off on November 6th.
General Manager Meetings
The General Manager Meetings, taking place in Scottsdale, AZ this year, are scheduled for November 7th through 9th. The groundwork for many offseason trades takes place here, as all 30 general managers are in close proximity and have informal conversations about offseason improvements and which players they are willing to move.
Non-Tender Deadlines
The deadline to non-tender a player on your 40-man roster, not offering them a contract for 2024 despite them being within their six years of team control prior to free agency, is November 17th.
(This typically occurs when a player is assumed to receive a pay raise in arbitration greater than the team determines their on-field value to be).
Winter Meetings
Taking place on December 4th through 7th in Nashville, TN, with all owners/designated team representatives in attendance, this is where many trades are executed. It's also a convenient place for free agents to meet with multiple teams, and so it's a typical kick-off point for the "Hot Stove".
Rule 5 Draft
The Rule 5 Draft is scheduled to be held on December 6th. Organizations that have openings on their 40-Man rosters can select non-40-man players from other organizations for a $100,000 fee, but the selected player must remain on the new team's 26-man roster for the entirety of the 2024 season or be offered back to the original club (for $50,000).
(There is a minor league component of the Rule 5 Draft, as well, and the Braves acquired starter Allan Winans from the New York Mets via the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft in 2021.)
The protection deadline for your eligible players is November 14th.
Arbitration Deadline
The deadline for arbitration-eligible players to submit arbitration figures is January 24th, 2024. The actual hearings will take place between January 29th and February 16th, 2024.
Many MLB teams now follow a "File and Trial" policy, where they will cut off all negotiation with arbitration-eligible players at the deadline, preferring for the arbitration process to decide the player's salary versus continuing to negotiate.
Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training
The first games of spring training begin on February 24th, with the Mets taking on the Cardinals and the Yankees taking on the Tigers. Pitchers and catchers report in early February, typically a week before players arrive to camp.
Important Braves Today Offseason Stories
2023 MLB Free Agent Rankings
Current Atlanta Braves prospect rankings
Current Atlanta Braves 40-man roster
Key offseason dates for the Atlanta Braves
2023 Atlanta Braves Club options
Projecting the 2024 Atlanta Braves' arbitration salaries
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