Important dates in the Winter 2016-2017 Hot Stove League calendar.
Note: This schedule is based on the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which formally expires as of December 1, 2016; scheduled events after that date (or earlier, if a new CBA is adopted prior to 12/1/16) are subject to change.
November 3, 2016: Eligible players become Free Agents, "Quiet Period" begins
November 3-7, 2016: "Quiet Period" Former clubs of Free Agents may tender "Qualifying Offers"
November 7, 2016: Last date for clubs to exercise options in player contracts
November 7, 2017, 5 pm Eastern time: Minor League Uniform Player Contracts expire. Eligible minor leaguers become free agents.
November 7, 2016, 11:59 pm Eastern time: "Quiet Period" ends, Free Agents may sign with any club
November 7-10, 2016: General Managers' meetings, Scottsdale, AZ
November 14, 2016: Last date for Free Agents to accept Qualifying Offers
November 18, 2016: Major and Minor (all levels) Reserve Lists set
December 1, 2016 : Last date to request outright waivers to assign player before Rule 5 draft
December 2, 2016: Tender Deadline - last date to offer 2016 contracts to unsigned players
December 5, 2016: Last date to outright a player before Rule 5 draft
December 5-8, 2016: Winter Meetings, Washington DC
December 8, 2016: Rule 5 Draft
January 13, 2017: Salary arbitration filing
January 17, 2017: Exchange of arbitration figures
February 1-20, 2017: Arbitration hearings
February 14, 2017: Phillies Pitchers and Catchers first workout - the First Day of Spring!