The Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Dodgers last night to claim their first World Series title in franchise history and to officially bring an end to the 2017 season.
It’s already been a busy period for the New York Mets as they’ve hired a new manager in Mickey Callaway along with numerous coaching changes.
But, if the Mets wish to be contenders in 2018 there is still a ton of work left to do after a disappointing 2017 season filled with injuries and under-performance.
Let’s take a look at the important dates coming up in what will be a closely watched offseason by genreal manager Sandy Alderson.
Nov. 2: Eligible players can file for free agency, and a five-day exclusivity period with former team begins. Jose Reyes is the only Mets player in this category.
Nov. 6: Deadline for making eligible free agents a qualifying offer ($17.4M). Mets have no players that this pertains to. Players traded during the season (Jay Bruce for example) are not eligible for a QO.
Nov. 6: BBWAA Awards Finalists announced.
Nov. 7: Free agents are eligible to negotiate and sign with any team.
Nov. 7: Gold Glove winners announced.
Nov. 13: Decisions are required by players to accept or decline their qualifying offers.
Nov. 13-16: GM Meetings in Orlando, Florida. In addition to rules and official business, look for the hot stove season to kick off in earnest as GM’s begin discussing frameworks for a deal and gauging interest in their players.
Nov. 15: Cy Young Awards Announced.
Nov. 16: MVP Awards Announced.
Nov. 20: Deadline for clubs to add players eligible for the Rule 5 draft to the 40-man roster. We’ve published two articles covering first time Rule 5 eligible players and players eligible again.
Dec. 1: Non-tender deadline.
Dec. 10-14: Winter Meetings, Orlando, Florida
Dec. 14: Rule 5 Draft
Jan. 13: Deadline for teams and arbitration eligible players to submit salary figures for their forthcoming contract. The Mets currently have nine arbitration eligible players.
