The MLB offseason is officially underway.
There are 121 free agents set to hit the open market, the Major League Baseball Players Association announced Thursday. Although the players became free agents as of 9 a.m. ET, they can't begin negotiating with other clubs until Nov. 4.
This allows former teams an exclusive five-day negotiating window to attempt to hammer out a deal before the free agents are eligible to sign with any club.
The free agent class is highlighted by starting pitchers Jon Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields, while Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez, Victor Martinez and Nelson Cruz figure to be among the most sought-after bats.
Another 32 players, according to the MLBPA, could be added to the free agent list if club or player options are declined.