2019 MLS Players eligible for Free Agency, Re-Entry Draft, Waiver Draft

MLS announced on Friday the lists of players eligible for End-of-Year Waivers, Free Agency, and Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process. In advance of these three postseason roster mechanisms, the transition from a rolling calendar to a single announcement date adds to the transparency of disclosing the contract status of all option-declined and out-of-contract players following Thursday’s option exercise deadline.

On Monday, Nov. 25 at 3 pm ET, the End-of-Year Waivers process gives the clubs that finished at the bottom of the 2019 standings the first opportunities to select from out-of-contract, typically young players who have not met the minimum number of service years for Free Agency or the Re-Entry Process. Beginning in reverse order, and taking into account postseason performance, FC Cincinnati will select first. The 2019 MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders will have the 24th pick, and expansion clubs Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF will have the 25th and 26th selections to end each round.

You can read more about the rules here.

End-of-Year Waiver List

Immediately following the End-of Year-Waivers process, Free Agency opens on Monday, Nov. 25 for players – who are at least age 28 with at least eight MLS service years and either option-declined or out-of-contract with a bona fide offer extended from their current club. Free Agents can negotiate a new contract with any MLS club, including their previous team, subject to certain restrictions. During a given year, clubs may acquire a maximum of two out-of-contract players via Free Agency. Free Agents may also participate in the Re-Entry Process.

You can read more about the rules here.

Free Agency List

Re-Entry List

The Re-Entry Process, Stage 1 begins on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 3 pm ET. Similar to the End-of-Year Waivers process, the Re-Entry process is conducted in the same reverse order of the 2019 season finish, keeping in mind postseason performance.

During the Re-Entry process, MLS clubs can select from three types of eligible players:

1. Option-declined players who are at least 23 years old with a minimum of three service years
2. Out-of-contract players who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four service years and whose clubs did not wish to re-sign at their previous salary
3. Free Agents

The final postseason roster mechanism will be Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process, which will be conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The list of players eligible for Re-Entry, Stage 2 will be announced on Dec. 3 at 11 am ET.

You can read more about the rules here.