Here are the key 2018 MLB offseason dates, and how they impact the Mets...

Day after World Series ends: Free agency begins

Outfielder Bryce Harper and shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado headline the free agent class, and the Yanks are expected to have interest in at least Machado. But the Yankees' main need will be starting pitching help, and Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel and old friend Nathan Eovaldi will be among the best arms available. When it comes to relievers, Craig Kimbrel, Adam Ottavino, and Jeurys Familia will be among the headliners as the Yankees could look to recreate their "super bullpen."

J.A. Happ, CC Sabathia, Lance Lynn, Zach Britton, David Robertson, Brett Gardner (if his option isn't picked up), Andrew McCutchen, and Neil Walker are the Yankees' notable free agents.

Nov. 12: Rookie of the Year Award announced

The race is expected to come down to Miguel Andujar and Shohei Ohtani of the Angels.

Nov. 30: Non-tender deadline

Players on the 40-man roster who have fewer than six years of major league service time must be tendered a contract each offseason by the non-tender deadline. This includes players who are due raises via arbitration. If a club non-tenders a player, he immediately becomes a free agent.

Among the Yankees' non-tender candidates are Sonny Gray and Tommy Kahnle.

Dec. 9: Winter Meetings begin in Las Vegas

After the General Manager's Meetings in November get the framework started for trades and signings, a whole bunch usually go down at the Winter Meetings.

Dec. 13: Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 Draft takes place on the final day of the Winter Meetings, with certain minor leaguers who are not on the 40-man roster available. If a team selects a player, they must keep that player on their 25-man roster for the entire season or be forced to offer him back to the team he was selected from.

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