Overview
- Following the Dodgers’ World Series win, eligible players became free agents Nov. 2, entering a five-day exclusive negotiating window.
- Nov. 6 marks the end of the quiet period and the deadline to issue one-year qualifying offers, set at $22.025 million for 2026.
- Free agents who receive qualifying offers must accept or reject by Nov. 18, the same day clubs finalize 40-man reserve lists to protect Rule 5-eligible prospects.
- Teams face a Nov. 21 non-tender deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players or allow them to enter free agency.
- Orlando hosts the Dec. 7–10 Winter Meetings, with the Contemporary Baseball Committee results Dec. 7, the Draft lottery Dec. 9, and the Rule 5 Draft Dec. 10; Opening Night is March 25 with Yankees–Giants streaming on Netflix.