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You thought you were out of the woods with MLS drafts? It’s only just begun. This week features two drafts: the MLS Waiver Draft and the first stage of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
Both of these are opportunities for clubs to sign players already inside MLS who aren’t anticipated to be returning to their clubs.
MLS Waiver Draft
Date & Time
Thursday, Dec. 15; 2 p.m. Eastern
Who’s eligible?
Players waived by their clubs not eligible for re-entry or free agency. The list of players will be released today.
What happens when players are selected?
If they’re under contract, they’ll automatically be added to the club’s roster. If they’re not, the club must make a genuine contract offer.
MLS Re-Entry Draft
Date & Time
Stage One: Friday, Dec. 16; 3 p.m. Eastern
Stage Two: Thursday, Dec. 22; 3 p.m. Eastern
Who’s eligible?
Players at least 23-years-old that have played at least three years in MLS, and whose clubs did not exercise options on their contract
AND
Players at least 25-years-old with at least four years of MLS experience who are out of contract, and whose clubs do not wish to re-sign them at their previous salary
AND
Free agents who choose to participate.
A list of eligible players will be released on Thursday.
What happens in stage one selection?
Option-declined players can be selected at their option price, and out-of-contract players can be selected at their Bona Fide Offer price.
Selection order is reverse league standings.
What happens in stage two selection?
If a selected player is out of contract, the selecting club has to make an “genuine offer” within seven days.
Selection order is reverse league standings.