Important dates in the Winter 2018-2019 Hot Stove League calendar.
October 29, 2018, 9 am Eastern time: Eligible players become Free Agents, "Quiet Period" begins.
October 29 to November 2, 2018: "Quiet Period" Former clubs of Free Agents may tender "Qualifying Offers."
November 2, 2018, 5 pm Eastern time: Last date for clubs to exercise options in player contracts.
November 2, 2018, 5 pm Eastern time: Minor League Uniform Player Contracts expire. Eligible minor leaguers become free agents.
November 2, 2018, 5 pm Eastern time: "Quiet Period" ends, Free Agents may sign with any club.
November 6-8, 2018: General Managers' meetings, Carlsbad, CA.
November 12, 2018, 5 pm Eastern time: Last date for Free Agents to accept Qualifying Offers.
November 20, 2018: Major and Minor (all levels) Reserve Lists set.
November 30, 2018: Tender Deadline - last date to offer 2018 contracts to unsigned players.
December 6, 2018: Last date to request outright waivers to assign player before Rule 5 draft.
December 9-13, 2018: Winter Meetings, Las Vegas NV.
December 10, 2018, 5 pm: Last date to outright a player before Rule 5 draft.
December 13, 2018: Rule 5 Draft.
January 11, 2019: Exchange of salary arbitration figures.
February 1-20, 2019: Arbitration hearings, St. Petersburg FL.
February 13, 2019: Voluntary Reporting Day for Pitchers and Catchers - the First Day of Spring.
March 28, 2019: Opening Day!
