When is MLB free agency in 2024? Dates, top players and more you need to know as the offseason begins

The start of fall signals the end of the MLB season. And while the 2024 season has had its exciting moments, the 2025 campaign is already starting to take center stage.

Next season, 29 teams will be looking to dethrone the champion, with one team attempting to repeat. Those quests will begin with restocking and retooling in the upcoming offseason before spring training begins in February.

Soon, teams will be able to explore the free agent markets and trade for upgrades. As usual, baseball’s hot stove will begin to heat up as rumors begin to circulate and the class led by Yankees superstar Juan Soto can negotiate with interested front offices. But when exactly does MLB free agency begin?

Here are the details you need to know about the start date of the 2024 MLB free agency period, as well as when teams can start making trades and which top players will be available this offseason.

MORE: Predicting how much Juan Soto will make on the free agent market

When is MLB free agency in 2024?

• 2024 MLB Free Agency Begins: The day after the World Series

Players officially become free agents the day after the end of the World Series. But there are restrictions for the beginning of the period. Players cannot sign with a new team until five days after the final game of the World Series.

During this five-day period, teams of 2024 players have the opportunity to negotiate a new deal before the player hits the open market. This time period also serves as a window for teams and players to exercise any options on their previous contracts, as well as for teams to make qualifying offers to players. If they receive an eligible offer, players have 10 days to either accept it or reject it and hit the open market.

Due to restrictions in the early stages of free agency, the market usually doesn’t pick up until after the five-day period.

When can teams make trades?

As with free agency, the trade market reopens the day after the World Series ends. After its opening, there will be no restrictions on the trading market.

Top MLB Free Agents Available

From Dan Tracy’s Top 25 Free Agents list.

1. Juan Soto, OF, Yankees

In 2024, Soto was just 26 years old and spent his career with the Yankees. He helped New York reach the World Series and hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in the regular season. As one of the top offensive stars, he will likely earn a huge salary this offseason.

2. Corbin Burns, SP, Orioles

Burns remains one of the game’s top aces. With the Orioles in 2024, he posted 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 top starter this offseason.

3. Max Fried, SP, Braves

Fried will be the best lefty starter on the open market as he has posted an ERA below 3.30 in every season since 2019. Fried was one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball for Atlanta, and now he has an opportunity to capitalize on it. his strong performances over the years.

4. Willie Adames, SS, Brewers

After leading the Brewers to the 2024 postseason, Adames had the best offensive season of his career. Offering power at the shortstop position as he finishes the season with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, he will be one of the most sought after infielders in free agency.

5. Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros

Currently, Bregman is a 30-year-old veteran 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, cornerback, Giants

Snell started the 2024 season slowly in San Francisco but stabilized as the campaign progressed. Even at 31 years old, he’s still one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game after posting a 3.12 ERA last season.

7. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets

Alonso, a power hitter, may not be the 50-homer threat he used to be in New York, but he just helped the Mets reach the NLCS. After 34 home runs in 2024, a team looking for a big bat could pay Alonso to come over.

8. Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Dodgers

Hernandez has been with several teams during his MLB career but remains a consistent threat after a strong season with the Dodgers. The outfielder hit .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2024.

9. Anthony Santander, OF, Orioles

Santander, a 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 last season, but he’s another strong bat available in this year’s free agent class.

10. Jack Flaherty, cornerback, Dodgers

Flaherty, one of the few Dodgers starters to remain healthy for the postseason, served as the team’s ace during the 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.