Key 2019 Offseason dates for Yankees, MLB

The Winter Meetings begin in San Diego on Dec. 9

10/14/2019, 8:00 PM
General view of the exterior of Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports / Rich Barnes-USA Today Sports
General view of the exterior of Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports / Rich Barnes-USA Today Sports

Here are the key 2019 MLB offseason dates, and how they impact the Yankees...


Day after World Series ends: Free agency begins

Before factoring in raises for arbitration, the Yankees already have a shade over $164 million committed to their payroll for 2020. But there is still room to spend, and there will be plenty of big names out there. 

Among the biggest names expected to hit the free agent market: Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, Marcell Ozuna, and Will Smith

The Yankees' notable free agents include Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances, and Brett Gardner.

Dec. 2: 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.

The only notable Yankees non-tender possibility is Greg Bird

Dec. 9-12: Winter Meetings in San Diego

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. 12: 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. 

Jan. 10, 2020: Arbitration figures are exchanged

The Yankees have lots of players who are eligible for arbitration, including Aaron Judge, James Paxton, and Gary Sanchez.

Once a player is offered arbitration, the team and that player's agent have until early-February to come to terms on a new contract. If that doesn't happen, both sides submit salary proposals and the player's salary is determined by independent arbitrators during hearings that take place in Phoenix from Feb. 3-21.

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