The start of fall signals the end of the MLB season. And while the 2024 season had its captivating moments, the 2025 campaign is already starting to become the main focus.
Next season, 29 teams will be looking to dethrone the Dodgers. And the Dodgers will be looking to repeat. Those quests will begin with some restocking and retooling over the coming offseason before Spring Training begins in February.
Soon, teams will be able to explore the free agent and trade markets for upgrades. As usual, baseball's hot stove will start to heat up as rumors begin to fly, and a class headlined by Yankees superstar Juan Soto will be able to negotiate with interested front offices. But when exactly does MLB free agency begin?
Here are the details to know about the starting date of MLB's 2024 free agency period, as well as when teams can start making trades and which top players will be up for grabs this offseason.
MORE: Projecting how much Juan Soto will make in free agency
When does MLB free agency start in 2024?
- Start of MLB free agency 2024: Day after World Series
Players officially become free agents the day after the World Series ends, which would be October 31. But there are limitations to begin the period. Players can't sign with a new team until five days after the final game of the World Series, which would be November 4.
During that five-day period, players' 2024 teams have the opportunity to negotiate a new deal before the player hits the open market. That time period also serves as the window for teams and players to exercise any options in their previous contracts, and for teams to put out qualifying offers to players. If they receive a qualifying offer, players have 10 days to either accept it or decline and hit the open market.
Because of the limitations early in free agency, the market usually doesn't pick up until after the five-day period ends.
When can teams make trades?
Just like free agency, the trade market reopens the day after the World Series ends.There aren't any limitations on the trade market once it opens.
Top MLB free agents available
From Dan Treacy's top 25 free agents list
1. Juan Soto, OF, Yankees
At just 26 years old, Soto had a career year with the Yankees in 2024. He helped lead New York to a World Series berth and hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in the regular season. As one of the game's top offensive stars, he's likely to earn a huge payday this offseason.
2. Corbin Burnes, SP, Orioles
Burnes remains one of the game's top aces. With the Orioles in 2024, he put up a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194 1/3 innings pitched. The former Cy Young award winner will be the best starter available this offseason.
3. Max Fried, SP, Braves
Fried will be the top left-handed starter on the open market, as he's kept his ERA below 3.30 in every season since 2019. Fried's been one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball for Atlanta, and he now has an opportunity to cash in on his strong performances over the years.
4. Willy Adames, SS, Brewers
Leading the Brewers to the postseason in 2024, Adames had the best offensive season of his career. Offering power at the shortstop position as he comes off of a season with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, he'll be one of the most sought-after infielders in free agency.
5. Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros
Bregman is a veteran at this point, as he's 30 years old and entering his 10th MLB season in 2025. The longtime Astro remains one of the most consistent players at his position, hitting .260 with 25 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2024.
6. Blake Snell, SP, Giants
Snell started the 2024 season slow in San Fransisco, but settled in as the campaign went on. Even at 31 years old, he's still one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game after posting a 3.12 ERA this past season.
7. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets
Alonso, a pure power hitter, may not be the 50-homer threat he used to be in New York, but he did just help the Mets reach the NLCS. After 34 home runs in 2024, a team looking for a big bat could pay Alonso to come in.
8. Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Dodgers
Hernandez has bounced around a few teams in his MLB career but remains a consistent power threat after a strong season for the Dodgers. The outfielder hit .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2024.
9. Anthony Santander, OF, Orioles
Santander, a switch hitter, had one of the best power bats in the game in 2024, hitting a career-high 44 home runs. Santander's impact is limited outside of his extra-base hits, as he hit just .235 this past season, but he's another power bat available in this year's free agent class.
10. Jack Flaherty, SP, Dodgers
Flaherty, one of the Dodgers' few starters to remain healthy heading into the postseason, functioned as the team's ace during its World Series run and performed well. The 29-year-old also had a 3.58 ERA in 55 1/3 regular season innings in 2024.
