Important dates in the Winter 2024-2025 Hot Stove League calendar.
October 31, 2024, 9 am Eastern time: Eligible players become Free Agents, "Quiet Period" begins.
October 31 – November 4, 2024: "Quiet Period" Former clubs of Free Agents may tender "Qualifying Offers."
November 4, 2024, 5 pm Eastern time: Last date for clubs to exercise options in player contracts.
November 4, 2024, 5 pm Eastern time: Minor League Uniform Player Contracts expire. Eligible minor leaguers become free agents.
November 4, 2024, 5 pm Eastern time: "Quiet Period" ends, Free Agents may sign with any club.
November 4-7, 2024: General Managers' meetings, San Antonio, TX.
November 19, 2024, 4 pm Eastern time: Last date for Free Agents to accept Qualifying Offers.
November 19, 2024, 6 pm Eastern time: Major and Minor (all levels) reserve lists set.
November 22, 2024: Tender Deadline - last date to offer 2025 contracts to unsigned players.
December 4, 2024, 2 pm EST: Last date to request outright waivers to assign player before Rule 5 draft.
December 8-12, 2024: Winter Meetings, Dallas, TX.
December 8, 2024, 5 pm: Last date to outright a player before Rule 5 draft.
December 10, 2024, 3:30 pm: Rule 4 Draft Lottery.
December 11, 2024: Rule 5 Draft.
December 15, 2024: International Signing Period close, 5 pm EST.
January 9, 2025: Exchange of salary arbitration figures.
January 15, 2025: International Signing Period opens, 9 am EST.
January 27 – February 14, 2025: Salary Arbitration hearings, Scottsdale, AZ.
February 12, 2025: Voluntary Reporting Day for Pitchers and Catchers - the First Day of Spring!
March 27, 2025: Opening Day!
