Welcome to the MLS Hot Stove season.
On Thursday, FC Dallas announced the annual year-end roster moves giving us a better idea of what the FCD roster will look like going forward into 2016. While there is always the possibility that players who have not had their contracts renewed could return to the club, as it stands right now FC Dallas has 19 players under contract for the 2016 season with an offer on the table to Walker Zimmerman leaving eight more roster spots open for adding players.
The work began a long time ago scouting international players for FCD to bring in and while that task is always ongoing, the next couple weeks present opportunities for FCD to add players within the league using some of the more intricate mechanisms outlined by the CBA. Here's a look at the timeline ahead:
Monday, December 7th - Tuesday, December 8th
Just one day after MLS Cup, the full list of players who have not had their contracts renewed and are either eligible for Free Agency or the Re-Entry Draft is made public. Beginning at noon central time on Tuesday, December 8th, clubs can begin negotiations with free agents from other teams around the league. To qualify for free agency, a player must be at least 28 years old with at least eight years of service in Major League Soccer.
Wednesday, December 9th - Waiver Draft
On Wednesday, players who have not had their contracts renewed but are not eligible for Free Agency or the Re-Entry Draft will be available in the Waiver Draft held at 3:30PM. Last year, only three players were selected in this draft and a player picked in the Waiver Draft must have a genuine offer made to them.
Friday, December 11th - Re-Entry Draft Stage One
In Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft, a player selected must have their 2016 option exercised or a bona fide offer extended, which means very few players are selected in this round. Last year, three players were selected with two of those being goalkeepers so not a lot of action happens but if there's a player from another team that you really like then you can snag him.
Thursday, December 17th - Re-Entry Draft Stage Two
This is the draft where typically a little more action happens as teams must extend an offer to the player selected but not at their 2016 contract option level. Over the last three years, FC Dallas has added defenders Atiba Harris and Stephen Keel through this draft, so this is certainly a day to keep your eye on.
January 7th to 12th - MLS Combine
The two weeks around Christmas and New Year's is pretty much the MLS dark period where nothing of major note happens, but things spring to life again in January for the first official acts of 2016 with the MLS Combine bringing in the best players from the college game in Fort Lauderdale.
Thursday, January 14th - MLS SuperDraft
It all gets started again on January 14th with the MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore. FC Dallas holds the 17th overall pick in each round and you know Oscar and his team will have their eyes on all the best college talent looking to add another piece to the mix.
Friday, January 22nd - MLS Preseason Begins
Just seven weeks from today, the guys are set to report for preseason looking to build on the success of 2015. Look for the full preseason plans to come out in the next week or so.
