Get ready for an exciting journey into the 2025 MLB offseason! With the 2025 Postseason in full swing, Baseball America has already released the key dates for the upcoming offseason, and it's shaping up to be a thrilling ride. The Rockies' season has been a topic of discussion, and with the ongoing search for a new GM and manager, this offseason promises to be more captivating than ever. Let's dive into the crucial dates and events that will shape the future of the Rockies and the MLB.
The Free Agency Frenzy
The World Series is set to conclude on November 1st, but regardless of when the champions are crowned, the following week will be a whirlwind of activity. The day after the Series ends, free agency begins, and for the Rockies, this means some key players could be on the move. Orlando Arcia, Thairo Estrada, Kyle Farmer, and Germán Márquez are all eligible for free agency, and their futures with the team are uncertain. The Qualifying Offer (QO) deadline, set at a whopping $22.025 million this year, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will any of these players accept the QO, or will they test the open market?
General Managers' Meetings: A Low-Key Yet Crucial Gathering
From November 10th to 13th, the General Managers from across the league will meet in Las Vegas. While this event may not grab the headlines like the Winter Meetings, it's where the wheels start turning. GMs will engage in discussions with other clubs and player agents, exploring potential deals and addressing league-wide issues. It's also a crucial opportunity for the Rockies' new PBO/GM to familiarize themselves with their peers and settle into their new role. And let's not forget the MLB Awards, which will be announced at the end of these meetings, recognizing the MVPs, Cy Young winners, and more. Will Hunter Goodman bring home a Silver Slugger award this year? The stage is set for some exciting announcements.
Owners' Meetings: Where the Action Begins
The Owners' Meetings, taking place in New York City from November 18th to 20th, mark the start of some serious business. This is when players must decide whether to accept their Qualifying Offers, and teams must set their reserve lists and rosters for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. It's a critical juncture for the Rockies, who are in the midst of a potential rebuild. Will they make any significant moves during this period, or will they hold back and assess their options?
Winter Meetings: The Pinnacle of Baseball's Offseason
December 8th to 11th is when all eyes turn to Orlando, as the MLB's bigwigs descend for the Winter Meetings. This is the main event, where deals are struck and the future of the league is shaped. The MLB Draft Lottery will take place on December 9th, with the Rule 5 Draft following the next day. The Rockies, due to their lottery picks in 2023 and 2024, are ineligible for the Draft Lottery, but this doesn't mean they won't be active. The new GM will have a chance to make their mark and potentially kickstart the franchise's rebuild.
Arbitration and International Signing Period
The Rockies have seven players eligible for arbitration, including Thairo Estrada, Jimmy Herget, and Mickey Moniak. Skyler Timmins has provided a detailed preview of this process, so be sure to check it out. Additionally, January 15th marks the beginning of the International Signing Period, where the Rockies have traditionally made some impressive signings, especially from Latin America. Could they uncover the next Ezequiel Tovar or Ubaldo Jiménez?
Rockies Fest and Spring Training
Rockies Fest, an annual fan favorite, will take place on January 24th. It's a day filled with panels, autograph sessions, and a chance to interact with the players and personnel. Spring training will then begin in mid-February, and the cycle begins anew. Mark your calendars, as this offseason promises to be an intriguing journey.
Arizona Fall League: A Showcase of Future Stars
The Arizona Fall League provided some thrilling moments, with Charlie Condon and Jared Thomas leading the charge. Their combined efforts resulted in nine of the Rafters' 12 runs, including two grand slams. It's a reminder that the Rockies have a bright future, and with a new GM/PBO, the trend of giving young players a chance seems set to continue. Thomas Harding has identified three players who made their MLB debuts in 2025 and could make a significant impact in their sophomore seasons.
A Note on Jerry Schemmel
Jerry Schemmel, a beloved member of the Rockies' family for 14 years, was laid off on Tuesday. It's uncertain if he will be replaced for the 2026 season, but one thing is clear: Purple Row will miss his presence and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
The NL Title Battle and the CBA Expiration
As the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers battle it out for the NL title, the Dodgers hold a 2-0 lead thanks to stellar performances from Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But as Jeff Passan points out, there's more at stake than just the pennant. The CBA expiration at the end of the 2026 agreement adds an extra layer of tension. Will the Dodgers clinch the pennant again, or will the Brewers mount a comeback? And what does this mean for the future of the league?
As we navigate this exciting offseason, remember to follow our Purple Row Community Guidelines when commenting. We encourage a respectful and engaging discussion. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Rockies shape their future!
