What happened: The World Series ended Wednesday, starting the offseason transaction calendar. Eligible players become free agents Thursday, with their former clubs holding an exclusive window to re-sign them.

Why it matters: Contract option and qualifying-offer decisions will shape the free-agent market. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, putting a deadline on early offseason business.

What to watch: Free agents become eligible to sign with other clubs when the exclusive window closes Nov. 2.