In the upcoming baseball season, several important dates have been set that fans and players alike need to note. The salary arbitration figures will be exchanged on January 9, marking the beginning of this period. Just a few days later, the international signing period kicks off on January 15 at 9 a.m. EST, providing opportunities for teams to acquire new talent from around the globe.
On January 21, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the results of their Hall of Fame voting, taking place in Cooperstown, New York, at 6 p.m. EDT. Following that, salary arbitration hearings will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, from January 27 to February 14, where disputes regarding players’ contracts will be resolved.
Teams will start their preparations for the new season with voluntary reporting dates: the Chicago Cubs will have their pitchers, catchers, and injured players report on February 9, while the Los Angeles Dodgers will do the same on February 10. Other teams are scheduled for voluntary reporting on February 12, and by February 14, both the Dodgers and Cubs are expected to have all other players report as well. A further wave of voluntary reporting for players from other teams is set for February 17, leading up to the start of exhibition games on February 20.
Mandatory reporting dates will be crucial as teams get ready for the season, with a final reporting requirement on February 22. From March 2 to March 11, teams will work on renewing contracts for unsigned players on 40-man rosters, and March 9 marks the last chance to place a player on waivers for 30 days of termination pay.
Several significant events will occur in March, including “Spring Breakout” from March 13 to March 16 and an exciting face-off between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19. The regular season officially kicks off for all other teams on March 27, with active rosters being trimmed down to 26 players.
Throughout the summer, players will gather for key events such as the Futures Game on July 12 and the amateur draft from July 13 to 15 in Atlanta. The much-anticipated Home Run Derby will take place on July 14, culminating with the All-Star Game on July 15. Later in July, the Hall of Fame inductions will be celebrated in Cooperstown on the 27th.
As the second half of the season progresses, a crucial trading deadline will be announced, along with an exciting match between the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 17. The end of the regular season is set for September 28, with a few key dates in November marking the conclusion of certain contract offers and eligibility provisions for players.
Finally, the end of the year wraps up with significant meetings in December, including the Hall of Fame and Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee vote in Orlando on December 7, followed by the winter meetings from December 7 to 10. The Rule 5 draft will take place on December 10, and the international signing period will officially close on December 15.
As the baseball calendar fills up, fans and players can look forward to a vibrant and competitive season ahead.
