Important dates for NY Mets fans to know in the 2025-26 MLB offseason

The echoes of the final out of the 2025 season still linger for the New York Mets and their fans. A year that began with lofty expectations ended without a parade, leaving the Flushing faithful to turn their gaze from the diamond to the front office. The hot stove season is upon us, and the pressure is squarely on President of Baseball Operations David Stearns to navigate a critical offseason and retool the roster into a legitimate championship contender for 2026.

This winter is filled with franchise-altering questions. What is the future of homegrown superstar Pete Alonso? Can a deal be struck to keep elite closer Edwin Díaz? How will the team address a starting rotation that proved to be a significant weakness? The answers will begin to unfold over the next few months. For every Mets fan ready to follow along, here are the crucial dates and deadlines to circle on your calendar.

Immediately after the World Series: the offseason officially opens

Five days after the final bottle of champagne is popped by the 2025 World Series champions, the offseason floodgates open. This marks the beginning of free agency, but more pressingly, it starts the clock on the Mets' most significant internal decisions. It is widely expected that both first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz will decline their player options for 2026 to test the open market.

November 10-13: GM meetings

Before the chaos of the Winter Meetings, the league's top executives will gather for the annual GM Meetings. While major transactions are rare during this period, these meetings are crucial for laying the groundwork for future deals. Expect to hear reports of David Stearns meeting with agents and other front offices, planting the seeds for the trades and free-agent pursuits that will dominate headlines in the weeks to come.

November 18: Rule 5 protection deadline

Ahead of the non-tender deadline, the Mets must decide which of their eligible minor league prospects to add to the 40-man roster. This protects them from being selected by another organization in the Rule 5 Draft. A key name to watch is outfielder Nick Morabito, a highly-regarded prospect whose accelerated eligibility clock makes him vulnerable. Leaving a player like Morabito unprotected would risk losing him to another team for a nominal fee.

November 21: Non-Tender deadline

This is a key date for roster management. The Mets must decide whether to offer 2026 contracts to their arbitration-eligible players or "non-tender" them, immediately making them free agents. This decision often comes down to performance versus projected salary. Players on the bubble could include pitchers Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett, as well as infielder Nick Madrigal. These moves will be the first concrete steps in reshaping the 2026 roster.

December 8-11: The Winter Meetings & Rule 5 draft

For four days, the entire baseball world will converge for the annual Winter Meetings, the epicenter of offseason activity. This is where major free-agent signings and blockbuster trades often materialize. Expect the Mets to be heavily engaged in the starting pitching market. The week culminates with the Rule 5 Draft on December 11, where teams can select eligible, unprotected players from other farm systems. The Mets could look to add a diamond-in-the-rough or risk losing one of their own prospects they left unprotected.

Mid-January: Celebrate at Amazin' Day

In the heart of winter, the Mets will give fans a reason to look forward to spring with the return of Amazin' Day at Citi Field. This fan festival is the perfect opportunity for the Flushing Faithful to connect with the team, meet current players and alumni, and participate in family-friendly activities. It serves as a welcome mid-offseason boost of excitement as pitchers and catchers prepare to report to Port St. Lucie.