The 2023 MLS Free Agency

Opportunities and Challenges Await Players in the Quest for Renewed Contracts in Major League Soccer

Los Angeles Football Club v Columbus Crew - 2023 MLS Cup
Los Angeles Football Club v Columbus Crew - 2023 MLS Cup / Maddie Meyer/GettyImages
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In the competitive landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS), a crucial moment approaches for various players seeking new horizons in their careers. With the opening of Free Agency on December 13th at 1:00 PM (Eastern Time), clubs and fans eagerly await to see which stars and emerging talents will be available to negotiate contracts in pursuit of new challenges.

The dynamics of Free Agency in the MLS in 2023 offer a unique opportunity for players aged 24 and older with a history of at least five years of service in the league. These athletes, whether their contracts have expired or their options declined after the 2023 season, now have the chance to explore the market and seek agreements with any club in the league, including their previous team, under certain restrictions.

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Unlimited Opportunities, Controlled Restrictions

The peculiarity of this Free Agency process in the MLS lies in the freedom players have to negotiate with any club in the league, without restrictions on the number of signings a team can make each year. This creates a dynamic and unpredictable environment, where renowned players and promising youngsters have the chance to redefine their professional paths.

However, even with this seemingly unlimited freedom, there are certain restrictions shaping the course of negotiations. The nuances of these limitations can become decisive factors, influencing decisions for both players and clubs. This adds a layer of complexity to the process, making each strategic choice essential for future success.

The Faces of Change: Complete List of Players Available in Free Agency

It is imperative to take a look at the players about to embark on this journey of negotiations and opportunities. Below is the complete list of players eligible for Free Agency, divided by their respective clubs:

Mateusz Bogusz
Los Angeles Football Club v Columbus Crew - 2023 MLS Cup / Emilee Chinn/GettyImages

Atlanta United

  • Alonso, Osvaldo – Out of Contract
  • Diop, Clément – Option Declined
  • Robinson, Miles – Out of Contract
  • Sejdić, Amar – Option Declined
  • Westberg, Quentin – Out of Contract

Austin FC

  • Bruin, Will – Option Declined
  • Lundkvist, Adam – Option Declined
  • Rodríguez, Memo – Option Declined
  • Urruti, Maximiliano – Option Declined

Charlotte FC

  • Afful, Harrison – Option Declined
  • Jones, Derrick – Out of Contract
  • Meram, Justin – Out of Contract
  • Sisniega, Pablo – Option Declined
  • Zendejas, Adrian – Option Declined

Chicago Fire FC

  • Kamara, Kei – Out of Contract

FC Cincinnati

  • Badji, Dominique – Option Declined
  • Gaddis, Raymon – Option Declined
  • Moreno, Junior – Out of Contract

Colorado Rapids

  • Beitashour, Steven – Option Declined
  • Díaz, Luis – Out of Contract
  • Price, Jack – Option Declined
  • Rubio, Diego – Out of Contract

Columbus Crew

  • Gressel, Julian – Out of Contract
  • Medranda, Jimmy – Option Declined
  • Williams, Josh – Out of Contract

FC Dallas

  • Maurer, Jimmy – Option Declined

D.C. United

  • Asad, Yamil – Option Declined
  • Hurtado, Erik – Option Declined
  • Najar, Andy – Option Declined
  • Pines, Donovan – Out of Contract

Houston Dynamo FC

  • Baird, Corey – Out of Contract
  • Dorsey, Griffin – Out of Contract
  • Vera, Matías – Option Declined

LA Galaxy

  • Alfaro, Tony – Option Declined
  • Barrios, Michael – Out of Contract
  • DePuy, Nick – Option Declined
  • Leerdam, Kelvin – Option Declined
  • Rosell, Uri – Option Declined

LAFC

  • Acosta, Kellyn – Out of Contract
  • Crépeau, Maxime – Out of Contract
  • McCarthy, John – Out of Contract
  • Palacios, Diego – Out of Contract
  • Vela, Carlos – Out of Contract

Inter Miami CF

  • Martínez, Josef – Option Declined
  • Ulloa, Victor – Out of Contract

Minnesota United FC

  • Dick, Eric – Option Declined
  • Gregus, Ján – Option Declined
  • Kallman, Brent – Out of Contract
  • Tajouri-Shradi, Ismael – Option Declined
  • Trapp, Wil – Out of Contract

CF Montréal

  • Brault-Guillard, Zachary – Option Declined
  • Pantemis, James – Option Declined
  • Quioto, Romell – Out of Contract

Nashville SC

  • McCarty, Dax – Out of Contract
  • Picault, Fafa – Out of Contract
  • Zubak, Ethan – Option Declined

New England Revolution

  • Boateng, Emmanuel – Option Declined
  • Bou, Gustavo – Out of Contract
  • González, Omar – Out of Contract
  • Rennicks, Justin – Out of Contract
  • Sweat, Ben – Option Declined

New York Red Bulls

  • Fernandez, Omir – Out of Contract
  • Ndam, Hassan – Option Declined

New York City FC

  • None

Orlando City SC

  • Grinwis, Adam – Out of Contract

Philadelphia Union

  • Bendik, Joe – Out of Contract
  • Bedoya, Alejandro – Out of Contract
  • Wagner, Kai – Out of Contract

Portland Timbers

  • Acosta, Bryan – Option Declined
  • Bingham, David – Out of Contract
  • Blanco, Sebastián – Out of Contract
  • Miller, Eric – Option Declined

Real Salt Lake

  • Caldwell, Scott – Out of Contract
  • Kreilach, Damir – Option Declined
  • Musovski, Danny – Out of Contract

San Jose Earthquakes

  • Judson – Option Declined
  • Mensah, Jonathan – Out of Contract
  • Monteiro, Jamiro – Option Declined
  • Thompson, Tommy – Option Declined

Seattle Sounders FC

  • Cleveland, Stefan – Option Declined
  • Héber – Option Declined
  • Lodeiro, Nicolás – Out of Contract
  • Montero, Fredy – Out of Contract
  • Rowe, Kelyn – Out of Contract

Sporting Kansas City

  • Espinoza, Roger – Option Declined
  • Ford, Kortne – Option Declined
  • Gutiérrez, Felipe – Option Declined
  • McIntosh, Kendall – Out of Contract
  • Zusi, Graham – Option Declined

St. Louis CITY SC

  • Nelson, John – Out of Contract

Toronto FC

  • Ranjitsingh, Greg – Option Declined
  • Sapong, CJ – Out of Contract
  • Vázquez, Victor – Option Declined

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

  • Hasal, Thomas – Option Declined
  • Laryea, Richie – Out of Contract
  • Teibert, Russell – Option Declined

N/A

  • Dwyer, Dom – Option Declined
  • Nelson, Michael – Option Declined
  • Warner, Collen – Out of Contract

A New Era in the MLS

The 2023 MLS Free Agency promises to be an exciting chapter in the history of American soccer. The stage is set, negotiations are about to begin, and expectations are high.

For fans, it's a moment of hope and speculation as they await to see how their favorite teams will strengthen. For players, it's a chance to reinvent their careers, seek new challenges, and contribute to the continued growth of the sport in the United States and Canada.

The MLS is poised to enter a new era. An era where talent is free to choose its destination, clubs seek to enhance their squads, and fans prepare to cheer for the thrills the upcoming season promises to bring.