Important dates for Reds fans to know in the 2024-25 MLB offseason

The offseason has already begun for the Cincinnati Reds, but it won't officially start until after the final out of the World Series. Many Reds fans feel as though their team has already won the offseason after Cincinnati hired Terry Francona to be the club's new manager, but there's more work to be done.

Once the offseason officially begins next month, there are a number of key dates that Reds fans need to be aware of. While no games will be played until Cactus League play begins in February, Nick Krall, Brad Meador, and the rest of the Reds front office will be hard at work during the offseason in hopes of building a competitive roster for the upcoming 2025 season.

Important dates for Reds fans to know in the 2024-25 MLB offseason

Qualifying offer deadline (November TBD)

Shortly after the World Series concludes, teams must decide whether or not to extend a qualifying offer to impending free agents. If Nick Martinez opts out of the final year of his current contact, Cincinnati could decide to extend a QO to the right-hander. Martinez can then decide to accept the QO (which amounts to a one-year, $21 million contract) or reject it and enter free agency. If Martinez leaves after having received and rejected a QO, the Reds will receive draft compensation.

Non-tender deadline (November 22, 2024)

Another important date on the Reds' offseason calendar is the non-tender deadline. Clubs have until late-November to decide whether or not to tender a contract to any player with fewer than six years of MLB service time. This would include the likes of Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer. And while those three will undoubtedly be tendered a contract for 2025, players like Ty France, Santiago Espinal, and others might not be so fortunate.

MLB Winter Meetings (December 8-11, 2024)

This year's MLB Winter Meetings will be held in Dallas, Texas. This event allows agents and front office executives to meet and discuss potential trades, free agent deals, and a contract extensions. Shortly after last year's MLB Winter Meetings, the Reds came to terms with Jeimer Candelario on a three-year, $45 million contract. Will the Reds walk away from Dallas with another free agent acquisition in tow?

The Rule 5 Draft and MLB Draft Lottery also take place at the MLB Winter Meetings, so Reds fans should know where Cincinnati will be picking in Round 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft before the Winter Meetings come to a close.

Pitcher and catcher report to spring training (February 2025)

It won't be long, Reds fans, before Francona and his players descend upon Arizona and begin spring training. Pitcher and catchers will report to Goodyear in mid-February and the first Cactus League game of the season will feature a matchup against Francona's old club. The Reds and Cleveland Guardians will play on February 22, 2025 to begin what many hope will be a return to winning baseball in Cincinnati.

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