when does mlb free agency start

MLB free agency has already begun for the 2026–27 offseason, officially opening to all teams on November 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.

Under standard MLB rules, the transition into free agency happens in two distinct phases following the conclusion of the World Series:

• Exclusive Negotiating Window (October 29, 2026): Players officially become free agents the morning after the final game of the World Series. During the first five days, players can only negotiate and re-sign with their former teams, though trades between clubs can resume immediately.
• Open Free Agency (November 2, 2026): At 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ends, the quiet period expires. Free agents are then permitted to negotiate and sign contracts with any of the 30 MLB clubs.

Upcoming 2026–27 Offseason Deadlines

Because the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires on December 1, teams and players are operating on an accelerated timeline. Key upcoming dates on the MLB Offseason Calendar include:

• November 17, 2026: Deadline for players to accept or reject $23.15 million qualifying offers (4 p.m. ET) and for clubs to protect eligible players from the Rule 5 Draft.
• November 20, 2026: Non-tender deadline, when teams must decide whether to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players or release them into free agency.
• December 1, 2026: The current CBA expires at 11:59 p.m. ET, which is widely expected to trigger a lockout and freeze all free-agent signings and trades starting December 2.