The MLB offseason is in full swing, with teams positioning themselves for the upcoming season by making tough decisions about their rosters. Two key dates that shape these moves are the qualifying offer deadline and the non-tender deadline. This year, the qualifying offer deadline landed on November 19, while the non-tender deadline followed on November 22. Having these two critical events just days apart seems redundant and unnecessarily complicated, leaving many to wonder why MLB doesn’t align them.
The non-tender deadline is a pivotal moment, as it forces teams to decide whether to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players or let them walk into free agency. The players released during this process can significantly impact the offseason landscape. Similarly, the qualifying offer deadline dictates whether pending free agents are extended one-year offers tied to draft pick compensation. While both deadlines shape the offseason, their separation creates an awkward limbo for players and teams alike.
Aligning the qualifying offer and non-tender deadlines would simplify the offseason for everyone involved. A single date would allow teams to evaluate their rosters holistically, weighing arbitration-eligible players alongside free agents with qualifying offers. It would streamline decision-making, foster transparency, and create a cleaner break for players entering free agency. For the players, it would provide clarity earlier in the offseason, allowing them to gauge their market value without overlapping uncertainties.
The current gap between these deadlines has little practical benefit. Teams can theoretically use the extra days to assess their financial positions or explore trade options, but these decisions are usually interconnected. Take, for instance, players like Nick Madrigal, Austin Hays, Brennen Davis, and Brandon Hughes, all of whom were involved in trade rumors during the 2024 season. Decisions about non-tendering these players or offering them qualifying deals could be made simultaneously. Waiting a few additional days doesn’t drastically change the calculus, but it does prolong the decision-making process unnecessarily.
The NBA offers an interesting comparison when examining MLB’s deadlines. In the NBA, the concept of the sign-and-trade deal allows teams to work collaboratively to maximize value for all parties involved. These transactions often help teams navigate salary cap constraints while ensuring players find suitable destinations. Imagine if MLB incorporated a similar mechanism into its offseason, perhaps aligning it with the non-tender deadline. Teams could trade arbitration-eligible players who might otherwise be non-tendered, providing a path to value for both the player and the organization.
For instance, if the Cubs had the option to trade Nick Madrigal before non-tendering him, they could recoup some value rather than releasing him outright. The same logic applies to players like Hays or Hughes. Teams might be more willing to take a chance on these players if they could acquire them through a sign-and-trade-like system, knowing they wouldn’t have to compete in the open market. Such a system would also benefit players, offering them a clearer path to a new team without the uncertainty of free agency.
The idea of a sign-and-trade system isn’t entirely foreign to MLB. Teams already engage in similar practices during the season when they trade players to avoid offering them qualifying offers or when they trade arbitration-eligible players. Formalizing this off season process would add structure and strategy making it more engaging for teams, players, and fans alike.
The non-tender deadline also underscores how much the MLB offseason depends on timing. Players who are non-tendered suddenly become free agents, often shifting teams’ priorities. If the non-tender and qualifying offer deadlines were the same, it would force teams to make clearer decisions about their rosters upfront, rather than hedging their bets. For players, this would mean entering free agency earlier, giving them more time to negotiate contracts and secure their futures.
Consider Davis, a promising outfielder who has battled injuries but still carries potential. If the Cubs had to decide simultaneously on a qualifying offer for a veteran and whether to non-tender Davis, it would encourage them to take a broader view of their roster. Similarly, a player like Madrigal, who has shown flashes of brilliance, might benefit from an aligned deadline that gives teams more flexibility to assess his value. For Hughes, a left-handed reliever who has shown potential when healthy, the same principle applies. A streamlined decision-making process would provide clarity for all involved.
When comparing the MLB system to the NBA, MLB’s approach feels outdated. The NBA’s sign-and-trade deals allow teams to work collaboratively in ways MLB doesn’t currently embrace. Teams in MLB often non-tender players they might have otherwise traded, missing out on potential returns. By contrast, the NBA’s system enables teams to extract value from players who are leaving, benefiting both sides.
If MLB adopted a sign-and-trade-like mechanism, it could revolutionize the offseason. Teams could negotiate trades for arbitration-eligible players who might otherwise be non-tendered, creating opportunities for creative roster management. Players would benefit, too, finding new homes without the uncertainty of the open market. This could be particularly valuable for players like Davis or Madrigal, who might appeal to rebuilding teams whose skill set could be a better fit elsewhere.
Here’s the thing folks: The current structure of MLB’s offseason deadlines feels disjointed, particularly when compared to the NBA. Aligning the qualifying offer and non-tender deadlines would streamline the process, reduce confusion, and provide clarity for players and teams. Adding a sign-and-trade mechanism could further enhance the offseason, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
With that… The offseason is about building for the future, whether that means signing marquee free agents or making tough decisions about arbitration-eligible players. By aligning deadlines and exploring new mechanisms like sign-and-trades, MLB could modernize its approach and make the offseason more efficient and exciting.
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