When Does Free Agency Start in MLB?
Free agency is a critical time for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams looking to strengthen their rosters and improve their chances of making it to the post-season. Players are offered the opportunity to explore new opportunities with different teams, making free agency the time for clubs to make their best pitch for the talent available to them.
The Start of MLB Free Agency
In MLB, free agency is the process in which a player who has six years or more of service in MLB is available to sign with any one of the teams in the league. Free agency typically begins five days after the conclusion of the World Series. During this time, any player who has a contract that has expired becomes a free agent. With free agency, a player has more flexibility and is no longer beholden to the team that they have been with for up to six years.
During the early free agency period, teams can offer arbitration to their own free agents, making a one-year offer that is either a guaranteed contract or non-guaranteed. This is a key mechanism that allows teams to keep their players without the need for negotiation, at least for another year. Non-tendered players will then become free agents and join the pool of players that clubs are targeting.
Key Dates and Deadlines for MLB Free Agency
The MLB free agency period is comprised of various milestones, each with their respective deadlines. By keeping up-to-date on these important dates, teams can accurately target who they want and assess whether they will need to pursue other free agents if their first choices aren’t available. Some key dates include:
- November 20 – Deadline to Tender Contracts to Eligible Players: Teams must determine if they want to offer arbitration to their players who are eligible for the arbitration process. If teams do not tender a contract to an eligible player, that player becomes an immediate free agent.
- December – Winter Meetings: The Winter Meetings are a chance for teams to meet with each other and free agents in a more formal setting. Teams will usually take this opportunity to make trades or sign free agents.
- January 15 – Deadline for Teams and Players to Exchange Salary Figures: This is the deadline for players with less than three years of service to set their salary amounts in writing. If they cannot agree on terms, the player goes to arbitration where a third-party mediator decides the terms.
Impact of the Pandemic on MLB Free Agency
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the timing of MLB free agency. The sport was shut down for several months, causing the season to start later than usual, which pushed back all the other critical dates. As a result, the winter meetings, which typically occur in December, were delayed until February 2021, with the start of the season also being delayed.
Despite the delays in the free agency period due to the pandemic, there has not been any significant rule changes or modifications on how free agency operates. There has, however, been a decreased revenue due to the pandemic, which could impact the amount of money that teams are willing to spend on free agents.
Biggest Name Free Agents in the Upcoming MLB Season
The 2021 MLB free agent class includes some of the biggest names in the sport. Some of the headline free agents include:
- Trevor Bauer: The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Bauer is widely considered the best pitcher available on the market.
- George Springer: The outfielder who spent his first seven seasons playing for the Houston Astros is known for his power at the plate and his speed on the bases.
- J.T. Realmuto: Widely considered the best catcher in MLB today, Realmuto is a free agent after spending the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Winners and Losers of MLB Free Agency
As with any offseason, some teams have had more success in free agency than others.
The San Diego Padres made some of the most significant moves in the early free agency period, signing a couple of big names, including the former Cy Young winner Blake Snell and the closer Mark Melancon. However, some teams, like the Milwaukee Brewers, missed out on top targets and did not make any major signings, potentially hurting their chances in the upcoming season.
Making the Most of the MLB Free Agency Market
To maximize success during free agency, teams must evaluate and negotiate with free agents strategically. Looking for free agents that complement the existing team set-up is essential. Clubs should use any given opportunities to assess the roster and determine areas of weakness that need to be addressed. A team should be realistic about its available budget and make smart deals, even if it means losing out on a top target.
Conclusion
Free agency in MLB is a crucial period in which teams look to build their rosters for the upcoming season. By keeping up-to-date with key dates and scouting potential free agents, teams can make well-informed decisions and secure the best talent. For fans, following the free agency period creates an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the new season.
