Nashville SC announced its year-end roster decisions which include options exercised, options declined, extensions and contract terminations.

Contract Options Exercised

Daniel Lovitz (D)
Alex Muyl (M)
Woobens Pacius (F)
Xavier Valdez (GK)

Contract Optioned Declined

Bryan Acosta (M)
Gastón Brugman (M)
Maximus Ekk (M)
Julian Gaines (D)
Tate Schmitt (D)
Wyatt Meyer (D)
Joe Willis (GK)

Players out of Contract

Teal Bunbury (F)
Walker Zimmerman (D)

Retiring

Taylor Washington (D)

Players Under Contract

Goalkeepers: Brian Schwake, Xavier Valdez

Defenders: Chris Applewhite, Josh Bauer, Jordan Knight, Dan Lovitz, Jack Maher, Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios

Midfielders: Matthew Corcoran, Isaiah Jones, Hany Mukhtar, Alex Muyl, Jonathan Pérez, Jacob Shaffelburg, Ahmed Qasem, Eddi Tagseth, Partrick Yazbek

Forwards: Tyler Boyd, Woobens Pacius, Adem Sipić, Sam Surridge

Related: 

Nashville SC Multi-Year Outlook

Nashville SC Transactions

Orlando City SC announced its year-end roster decisions which include options exercised, options declined, extensions and contract terminations.

Contract Options Exercised

Iván Angulo (F)
Tyrese Spicer (F)
Eduard Atuesta (M)
Joran Gerbet (M)
Alex Freeman (D)
Martín Ojeda (M)
Yuaro Tsukada (F)

Contract Optioned Declined

Robin Jansson (D) - In Negotiations over return
Carlos Mercado (GK)
Shak Mohammed (M)
Favian Loyola (F)

Players out of Contract

Pedro Gallese (GK)
Kyle Smith (D) - In Negotiations over return
César Araújo (M)
Wilder Cartagena (M)

Players Under Contract

Goalkeepers: Javier Otero

Defenders: David Brekalo, Alex Freeman, Adrián Marín, Tahir Reid-Brown, Rodrigo Schlegel, Zakaria Taifi, Thomas Williams

Midfielders: Eduard Atuesta, Gustavo Caraballo, Wilder Cartagena, Joran Gerbet, Colin Guske, Martín Ojeda, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson

Forwards: Iván Angulo, Duncan McGuire, Luis Muriel, Marco Pašalić, Nico Rodríguez, Tyrese Spicer, Yutaro Tsukada

Related: 

Orlando City SC Multi-Year Outlook

Orlando City SC Transactions

Coming off a 2024 season that saw a lot of coaching thrash and a 10th place finish, not many expected the Wave’s jump in performance in the 2025 season leading to them finishing the season 6th in the table and making it into the playoffs. 

The 2024-25 offseason saw nine new players join the Wave, and Jonas Eidevall being hired as the new head coach; the club was also busy in the Secondary Transfer Window with the additions of Brazilian attacking midfielder Dudinha and French midfielder Laurina Fazer. 

The Wave scored 17 more goals in the 2025 season compared to the 2024 season and were third in the league for goals scored. 

San Diego is in a good position to have another solid offseason and build their momentum from 2025 into the 2026 season. 

The Positives

The Wave embraced their scoring by committee vibes with 16 different players for 38 goals and three players – Kenza Dali, Delphine Cascarino, and Dudinha — each having five goals. The club was tied for 2nd in goals scored/90 with the Spirit. 

The Wave had some really good moves this season to set themselves up for success in the 2026 season including signing French midfielder Kenza Dali to a 2-year contract in January, and the additions of Dudinha and Fazer to 3-year contracts in July. 

The Negatives

The biggest thing that the Wave need to work on is consistency throughout the match (and across matches) and not letting opponents back into the match. The Wave dropped 11 points from a winning position throughout the season and only gained 6 points from a losing position. 

One of the other things for the club to work on is tightening up the defense. Although they had a positive goal differential, they were 7th in goals conceded/90, 9th in save percentage, and tied-10th in clean sheets with 5. They were also the only of the five clubs that conceded 5+ penalties to not have a single save. 

Although the Wave had the fewest number of crosses into the penalty area allowed in the season with 223, they also had the lowest stoppage percentage at 3.1%. 

Roster Flexibility 

With only 17 players rostered for 2026 — including Colombian defender Sintia Cabezas who is on loan through the end of the Liga F season in June — the Wave have a lot of opportunity to add players through the offseason. 

Unfortunately, with seven of their eight international spots already occupied, it’s going to limit where they are recruiting their players from — or they’ll need to be trading for further international spots. 

They have not re-signed any of their 10 free agents since the list was released July 1st. 

Offseason Priorities

The Wave only have five players currently signed through the 2027 season, and a lot of the core players have either 2027 options or are free agents. The club needs to prioritize signing players to long-term contracts in order to avoid the bidding wars that come with free agency. 

Looking at the current 2026 roster, the Wave is lacking depth in the midfield and in the attack and on top of extensions, should be looking toward free agency to help fill the gaps. 

With so many new players to the squad over the last year and a half, the preseason will be pivotal in building team chemistry and continuing to progress into the 2026 season.

After a 2024 that saw the club finish 4th in the table and get knocked out of the playoffs in the semifinals, the Kansas City Current hit the ground running in 2025. They then proceeded to set numerous records, including but not limited to, the most wins (21), points (65), home wins (11), road wins (10), multi-goal games (18) and multi-goal wins (15).

The Current won the NWSL Shield and were the front-runners heading into the playoffs with a 21 point differential between them and 2nd in the table Washington. Unfortunately, an extra-time goal by Gotham ended their season in the quarterfinals. 

Following their early exit from the postseason, the club announced that head coach Vlatko Andonovski would be transitioning into a new role as the club’s global sporting director and continue his role until a new head coach is named. 

The Current had a really strong offseason after the 2024 season and are in a solid position to have another good offseason. The big question to be answered in the coming months is who will be the next head coach. 

The Positives

There were a lot of measures by which the Current had a good season, they led the league in goals scored by a margin of 7 with 49, and led the league in fewest goals conceded by a margin of 12 with 13.

Ahead of the season start, the Current signed forward and the 2024 MVP and Golden Boot winner, Temwa Chawinga, to a 3-year contract extension to keep her in KC through 2028. She then proceeded to continue her run of form in 2025 with another Golden Boot win and she’s also on the short-list of finalists for MVP again. The main concern with Chawinga is keeping her healthy—she showed up on the injury report as questionable or out for 12 of the Current’s 27 matches. 

Another big move that Kansas City made midseason was the trade with Utah to bring forward Ally Sentnor to the squad in return for $300,000 2025 intraleague transfer funds, $200,000 2026 intra-league transfer funds, $100,000 2027 intra-league transfer funds, and a conditional $100,000 intra-league transfer funds. 

The Negatives

Even with all of the records, the Current midfield struggled with injuries throughout the season but the strength in depth of the roster was able to fill in the gaps and keep the level of play high. 

Heading into the offseason, Kansas City does have 9 free agents, including versatile defender Hailie Mace who already announced her intentions to leave the club during the free agency period. Mace’s ability to play both as a centerback and outside back helped the Kansas City side seamlessly deal with injuries in the backline. 

Roster Flexibility 

The Current have 19 players rostered for the 2026 season — including midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo who went on maternity leave at the end of July (and best case won’t be available until the back half of the season). 

The club does only have four of their seven international spots utilized for the upcoming year, so that does give them some flexibility in their offseason acquisitions. 

Kansas City did have two key free agents already re-sign with the club, with midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta signing a 3-year contract and defender Kayla Sharples signing a 2-year contract with a 2028 mutual option. 

Offseason Priorities

During the offseason, the front office needs to prioritize hiring a new head coach — and one whose tactics likely match similarly with Andonovski’s tactical vision for the squad. 

Of the free agents, re-signing forward Bia Zaneratto should be a priority for the team — with seven goals and three assists she’s an important part of the Kansas City attack. 

With only four midfielders signed to the 2026 roster, the club should also make sure that they are adding some extra depth in the midfield. 

With the 2025 NFL regular season now past the halfway point, Spotrac has identified an early list of pending unrestricted free agents to begin to watch, including potential price points for each.

RELATED: NFL Free Agent Tracker

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones (28, Colts)

At this point the only question appears to be if the Colts and Jones will come to terms on an agreement that keeps him off of the open market next March. A mid-February franchise tag can be used to buy more time as needed, but the estimated $45M tender won’t be far off from where Jones’ next pay day ends up. The 28-year-old currently projects to a 4 year, $187M contract ($46.7M APY) contract in our system, but Brock Purdy’s $53M per year is a likely negotiating floor.

Aaron Rodgers (42, Steelers)

While it seems likely that Rodgers hangs up the cleats after 2025, Pittsburgh doesn’t exactly possess a viable QB1 to replace him with at present time. Any sort of return likely comes with a similar/identical price tag to his 2025 campaign ($10M guaranteed).

ALSO: Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT QUARTERBACKS

Running Backs

Breece Hall (24, Jets)

Despite solid offers, the Jets held on to Hall through the November trade deadline, and now hold his fate as he approaches free agency for the first time. A franchise tag ($14Mish) seems unlikely, as does a return to a discombobulated Jets offense. The 24-year-old carries a $10.5M APY valuation right now.

Kenneth Walker (25, Seahawks)

Walker’s overall usage and therefore production has fallen off the past two seasons, and he doesn’t appear to be a factor in the passing game in Seattle’s current system, but this is a proven, consistently well-rounded offensive weapon. The 25-year-old holds a $9M APY valuation heading toward the open market.

ALSO: JK Dobbins, Rachaad White, Rico Dowdle, Travis Etienne

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT RUNNING BACKS

Wide Receivers

George Pickens (24, Cowboys)

The change of scenery from Pittsburgh to Dallas has done Pickens well, who has been a perfect complementary weapon for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the Cowboys’ offense. Will he be satisfied with complementary weapon pay on the open market this March? Tee Higgins’ $28.75M APY is the current WR1b floor, and Pickens projects slightly above $29M per year in our system.

Alec Pierce (25, Colts)

Pierce posted career-highs in both yards (824) and TDs (7) in 2024, and is in range for those types of numbers again in 2025, despite a bit less usage. He’s a high-upside WR3, with borderline WR2 potential on paper, but the 2nd-Rounder out of Cincinnati will likely be seeking money in the latter range this March. Mathematically however, Pierce heads into the winter months as a $16M APY player.

ALSO: Rashid Shaheed, Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT WIDE RECEIVERS

Tight Ends

Kyle Pitts (25, Falcons)

While the days of a possible “generational-talent” hopeful, drafted #4 overall back in 2021 are long gone, Pitts has rounded into a formidable offensive weapon in each of the past two seasons. The 25-year-old holds a $12M APY valuation in our system, and a $14M+ franchise tag could also be an option here.

Mark Andrews (29, Ravens)

Andrews is finishing off a 5 year, $60M contract in Baltimore that has provided plenty of value for the Ravens since 2021. As the production wanes however, so too will the opportunity for multi-year guarantees on the open market. Andrews is likely in line for a 1-2 year, heavily incentive-based contract that ranges from $7.5M - $12M in overall potential value.

ALSO: Cade Otton, Isaiah Likely, Tyler Higbee

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT TIGHT ENDS

Offensive Tackles

Braden Smith (29, Colts)

Smith agreed to a $6.5M pay cut to remain in Indy this past March, and has proved himself worthy of a raise through consistency and reliability. The 29-year-old approaches free agency with a $13.6M APY valuation in our system putting him on track for a 4 year deal worth nearly $60M.

Braxton Jones (26, Bears)

Jones has battled injuries and overall subpar play to begin his career. A 5th-round pick out of Southern Utah, Jones might be viewed as more of a depth piece heading into free agency, but this is a position that always seems to pay, even at the bottom of the market.

ALSO: Jonah Williams, Cam Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT TACKLES

Guards

Ed Ingram (26, Texans)

A 2nd-round pick out of LSU, Ingram is peaking at the right time, with his first go in free agency right around the corner. The 26-year-old currently projects toward a 3 year, $39M deal in our system.

David Edwards (28, Bills)

Edwards has rounded into one of the better blindside protection guards in all of football, and should be in line for a healthy raise over his current $3M AAV. Mathematically, a move to near the top of the market ($20M per year) is in play, though the Bills may be hard-pressed to come in at that number.

ALSO: Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Isaac Seumalo

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT GUARDS

Centers

Tyler Linderbaum (25, Ravens)

The 25-year-old has started all but two games since entering the league #25 overall out of Iowa back in 2022. There’s a top of the market contract coming for Linderbaum in the very near future, most likely by way of an extension from Baltimore.

Connor McGovern (28, Bills)

McGovern is finishing off a 3 year, $22M free agent contract in Buffalo this year, and has been both reliable, and durable throughout his Bills’ tenure. He carries a $16M APY valuation with him toward the open market.

ALSO: Cade Mays, Austin Corbett

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT CENTERS

Interior Defensive Linemen

John Franklin-Myers (29, Broncos)

The 29-year-old has been a model of consistency on the D-Line for the better part of 5 seasons now, finishing off a 2 year, $15M deal with the Broncos this season. He’s a 2 year, $16M player in our system currently.

Travis Jones (26, Ravens)

Jones has produced largely under the radar in 3+ seasons with Baltimore, but the 3rd round pick out of UConn should draw some attention if allowed to test the open market next March. He’s a 3 year, $24M valuation in our system.

ALSO: Teair Tart, Sheldon Rankins, DaQuan Jones

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Edge Defenders

Trey Hendrickson (31, Bengals)

Despite a down year production-wise, the 31-year-old 4x Pro Bowler should garner plenty of attention if allowed to test the open market next Spring. Will age limit his ability to secure a multi-year guarantee? Hendrickson currently carries a $23.5M APY valuation in our system.

Joey Bosa (30, Bills)

Bosa joined Buffalo on an incentive-laden 1 year, $12.6M contract. He’s projecting to finish 2025 with his best output since 2021, which could vault his interest next March. For now, he’s a 2 year, $30M player in our system.

ALSO: Al-Quadin Muhammad, A.J. Epenesa, Boye Mafe

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT EDGE DEFENDERS

Linebackers

Devin Lloyd (27, Jaguars)

Lloyd isn’t just having a breakout season, he’s one of the best off-ball linebackers in all of football heading toward Thanksgiving. Jacksonville declined his $14.7M 5th-year option salary for 2026, and a franchise tag is highly unlikely, but the Jaguars may need to reevaluate their future interest with the former #27 overall pick, who now holds a $19M valuation in our system.

Devin Bush (27, Browns)

Bush joined Cleveland in 2024 on a near minimum salary, performing well above average with around 50% usage. The Browns re-signed him at more than double that salary ($3.25M) for 2025, made him a full-time player, headed for near career-highs this season. He’ll presumably carry a $9M APY valuation with him into March.

ALSO: Demario Davis, Alex Anzalone, Leo Chenal

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT LINEBACKERS

Cornerbacks

Jamel Dean (29, Buccaneers)

Dean accepted an $8M pay cut this season in exchange for the ability to hit the open market a year early, essentially making 2025 a showcase season for the 29-year-old. He’s found a little magic this year, and currently ranks atop the PFF CB list at the time of this piece. He’s a 3 year, $42M player in our system.

Jaylen Watson (27, Chiefs)

A 7th-round pick out of Washington State, Watson has rounded into a reliable, consistent full-time player for KC as he approaches free agency for the first time. He’s a 3 year, $35M player in our system currently.

ALSO: Chidobe Awuzie, Cordale Flott

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT CORNERBACKS

Safeties

Jaylinn Hawkins (28, Patriots)

A 4th-round pick by the Falcons back in 2020, Hawkins has settled in with New England on back to back near-minimum contracts. But the 28-year-old is posting career-numbers across the board in 2025 as a full-time player for the Patriots, and should be in for a nice raise this March. He projects toward a 3 year, $20M contract in our system.

Quentin Lake (26, Rams)

The 6th-rounder out of UCLA is having his best all-around season for LA in a walk year and should be headed for a sizable raise in the coming months. He’s a 2 year, $25M player in our system.

ALSO: Kevin Byard, Bryan Cook

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT SAFETIES

Kickers

Wil Lutz (31, Broncos)

One of the most reliable kickers in the league should be eyeing a top of market contract this spring, and currently projects toward a 4 year, $22M contract. $6M per year should be a reasonable ask.

Eddy Pineiro (30, 49ers)

After a few inconsistent seasons with Carolina, Pineiro has been rock solid for the Niners in 2025 (on a prorated minimum deal. A strong finish likely secures him a multi-year contract next Spring.

ALSO: Matt Gay, Joey Slye

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT KICKERS

Punters

Braden Mann (28, Eagles)

Mann has been a reliable presence for the Eagles since the 2023 season, and should be looking to build on the $2.1M per year deal he’s finishing out in 2025. The punter market currently tops off at $4.05M per year.

Jordan Stout (27, Ravens)

A 4th-round pick by Baltimore back in 2022, Stout has given his only team no reason to look elsewhere in 3+ seasons, and he’s posting his most efficient numbers to date in 2025.

ALSO: Tommy Townsend, Bradley Pinion, Jake Bailey

VIEW ALL FREE AGENT PUNTERS

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton narrowly missed earning a $3 million award bonus for finishing top 10 in American League MVP voting. He placed 11th, only two points behind Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena.

Buxton signed a 7 year, $100 million arbitration extension with significant incentives that could add up to $10.5 million annually.

Plate Appearances:  $2.5M total; $500k each for 502, 533, 567, 600, 625 PAs
MVP Award: 1st: $8M / 2nd: $7M / 3rd: $6M / 4th: $5M / 5th: $4M / 6th-10th: $3M

Reports suggest Buxton might consider waiving his full no-trade clause as Minnesota heads towards a rebuild. His current deal has 3 years, $45 million remaining with potential for more if he adds any incentives.

AL MVP Voting Results (via MLB)

For a second consecutive season, the Portland Timbers qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

For many, a positive season for the Timbers would’ve been making the playoffs again & progressing further than they had done in 2024 (were eliminated in the 2024 wild card versus Vancouver as the 9th seed). Thankfully, Portland exceeded expectations, was a wild card team again (this time as the 8th seed), reigned victorious in the wildcard round over Real Salt Lake, but unfortunately fell in the first round after their best of 3 series with San Diego went the distance. 

Taking a glance at the overall season, Portland (though better in the conference standings) were better last year. 

The team scored 24 less goals in comparison to 2024 & allowed 8 less goals than in 2024. Overall, the squad standings wise was better, was worse offensively, & better defensively.

With their roster decisions published, Portland will have some roster flexibility. In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Portland spread the goalscoring wealth this season. Three different players (Antony, Kevin Kelsy, & Felipe Mora) all scored 7 goals this season. A total of 15 different goalscorers allotted for the squads 41 goals (36% chance of a different goal scorer for each goal). On top of scoring, four different players (Antony, David Da Costa, Santiago Moreno, & Juan Mosquera) tallied 5+ assists this season. 

It was very positive to see David Da Costa (who arrived from RC Lens in February) tally 12 goal contributions for Portland at the center attacking midfield spot. With Da Costa leading the midfield, he was able to contribute massively to Antony, a U22 initiative signing for the club, that led the squad with 17 goal contributions this season (7 goals & 10 assists).

Another massive positive was the fact that Kevin Kelsy (who arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk in January) tallied 9 goal contributions (7 goals & 2 assists). One thing that Portland had that many teams in MLS did not this season was a backup striker (Felipe Mora – who had 7 goals & 3 assists) that could enter the match and be a difference maker. 

The biggest positive for Portland this season was their defensive structure as they improved massively in their overall defending in comparison to last year. With 8 less goals allowed, Portland had the T-6th best defense in the Western Conference this season.

The Negatives

Designated Player Jonathan Rodríguez missed the majority of the 2025 season after undergoing a successful cartilage restoration surgery on his right knee in early July. The winger had 1 goal & 1 assist in just 6 substitute appearances for Portland. 

The DP forward that had 23 goal contributions in 2024 for Portland was the missing piece for their offense. Looking at the comparisons to 2024, the squad scored 24 less goals than last year, which ideally matches Rodríguez output that went missing this season.

Losing out in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, though it was an improvement from last season, nevertheless, going out in the first round is disappointing. The squad battled to the end in their best-of-three series with San Diego, but were ultimately dominated. 

Portland will have to improve their offensive output & rise to the occasion if they want to become a contender in MLS. 

Roster Flexibility

The Portland Timbers has very little roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has three designated players (David Da Costa, Kristoffer Velde & Jonathan Rodríguez) and three U-22 initiative signings (Antony, David Ayala, & Kevin Kelsy).

This club is currently in the 3DP and 3 U-22s model. Additionally, the club has $0 in GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 21 players rostered as of November 14th.

Offseason Priorities

Get healthy. Losing Jonathan Rodríguez did not help this team at all. The club needs to accumulate more goals & need to be a bit more lethal in the final third. An offensive threat for cheap money would be a massive addition to the club.

Additionally, with the club not retaining Rojas, Carballo, or Paredes, it’s imperative that Portland find some more midfield depth in the 2026 offseason. Entering the season with Chará, Costa, & Ayala as their midfield 3, it will be important to acquire more players to fill those roles if they need substitutions or deal with an injury in 2026.

Another role that the club should look to find during this offseason would be another defender for depth purposes.

This team should be in the playoffs, year-in & year-out. Phil Neville will make the correct improvements to this roster so that they can improve upon the 2025 campaign.

Portland Timbers announced its year-end roster decisions which include options exercised, options declined, extensions and contract terminations.

Contract Options Exercised

David Ayala (M)
Diego Chara (M)
Gage Guerra (F)
Felipe Mora (F)
Trey Muse (GK)
James Pantemis (GK)
Ian Smith (D)

Contract Optioned Declined

Felipe Carballo (M)
Cristhian Paredes (M)
Matías Rojas (M)

Players out of contract

Maxime Crépeau (GK)
Eric Miller (D)
Hunter Sulte (GK)
Dario Zuparic (D)

Players Under Contract

Goalkeepers: Trey Muse, James Pantemis

Defenders: Jimer Fory, Sawyer Jura, Zac McGraw, Kamal Miller, Juan Mosquera, Ian Smith, Finn Surman

Midfielders: David Ayala, Diego Chara, David Da Costa, Omir Fernandez, Joao OrtizForwards: Antony, Gage Guerra, Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, Felipe Mora, Jonathan Rodríguez, Kristoffer Velde

Related: 

Portland Timbers Multi-Year Outlook

Portland Timbers Transactions

Since joining the league in 2021, Racing had finished each of its seasons in 9th place… until the 2025 season. Heading into Decision Day, Racing needed a win in order to clinch the final playoff spot, and after the dust had settled, finished the regular season in seventh place. 

In the quarterfinals, Racing scored in stoppage time against the Spirit to force extra time, but were eliminated in penalty kicks. Head coach Bev Yanez in her second season in charge earned herself coach of the month for October/November and a spot as a finalist for the NWSL’s Coach of the Year. 

In 2025, Racing set club records for single-season points (37), wins (10), and goals(35) as well as club records for road wins (5 – previously 2), and away points (19 – previously 11). 

Being the club with the most free agents heading into the offseason, Racing has a lot of opportunity to continue to evolve their team and build on this record-breaking season. 

The Positives

One of the most important moves that Racing made during the season was to sign forward Emma Sears to a 2-year contract extension keeping the team’s leading scorer in Louisville through 2028 and avoiding a free agency bidding war when 2027 free agency opens up next July. 

The other big win of the season was that after six matches, starting goalkeeper Katie Lund went on the season-ending injury list and Jordyn Bloomer stepped into the starting role without a hiccup. In fact, statistically she went on to have a better season than Lund did in 2024 and Lund’s trend across the first six matches. 

The Negatives

Racing had an overall depth issue throughout the season. The club only used 20 players throughout the entire season, with the next closest team being the Reign at 24, and Angel City topping out at 31. 

When you consider that those 20 include Lund (was on the SEI list for most of the season), Elli Pikkujamsa (was only available 1 match), Uchenna Kanu and Bethany Balcer (were available for less than half the season each), and Makenna Morris (traded to Racing in late August), it’s even crazier. 

The other area that Racing could use some focus on during the offseason is that they were 8th in the league in goals conceded/90, averaging 1.46 per match. 

Roster Flexibility 

Racing has 17 players signed for 2026 including Kirsten Wright who was placed on maternity leave in October and will likely not play most/all of 2026. On the international spot side of things, Louisville only has one of their seven spots occupied for the upcoming season. There is a lot of opportunity to get some much needed depth whether that be through free agency, trades, or external signings. 

There have already been three free agents re-signed to the 2026 squad: midfielder Taylor Flint, forward Makenna Morris, and defender Ellie Jean. 

Offseason Priorities

Louisville has 12 free agents currently, and of those midfielder Ary Borges had the most minutes played in 2025 with 1500 over 22 matches and is the most likely candidate for re-signing, while the remaining 11 players have less than a combined 1500 minutes. 

During the offseason, Racing needs to sign extra depth in the backline – both centerbacks and outsidebacks (although Janine Sonis has been doing amazing back there) — and in the midfield — the club needs depth for Taylor Flint and Sav DeMelo as they currently are near impossible to replace if injured. 

On a similar note, there is a pretty big open with DeMelo’s future after she was hospitalized following her experiencing a medical emergency midgame in September (2nd time this season) and not having an announced timeline to return. 

The other offseason priority should be signing Janine Sonis and Sav DeMelo to extensions as they are expected to be 2027 free agents and are currently integral parts to the club’s success.

A financial dive into baseball's 2025 All-MLB rosters, including future contract statuses for each player.

RELATED
2026 MLB Free Agents
2025 Tax Salary Rankings

Starting Pitchers

1st-Team starters include a range of financial outlooks, including 3 players (Yamamoto, Friend, Crochet) signed long term, one of the more exciting upcoming contract years (Skubal), and the best value in all of baseball (Skenes). As a pre-arbitration player Skenes is eligible for a $1M bonus for this honor, but it will be superseded by his $2.5M Cy Young bonus.

The 2nd-Team rotation features a pair of Phillies aces (Wheeler, Sanchez), a potential trade candidate (Peralta), and two of the better cost-controlled players in the game. As a pre-arbitration player based on service time, Sanchez is eligible for a $500,000 bonus per this honor, but that will be superseded by his $1.75M bonus as a Cy Young runner-up. Bryan Woo will secure that $500,000 bonus.

Relief Pitchers

Boston extended Chapman prior to the end of the regular season, keeping him in the fold through at least 2026 (with a vesting option available in 2027). Diaz opted-out of the $48M remaining on his contract in NY and will test the open market this winter.

Catchers

Two of the highest-paid catchers in the game standout in 2025, with Raleigh putting together an MVP-caliber season both offensively and defensively speaking. Smith's big year was capped off with a World Series winning home run.

1st Basemen

A tale of two stories here, as Guerrero locked in a $500M extension at the start of the season, while Kurtz (the AL Rookie of the Year), played out his huge season on a pro-rated minimum salary. Kurtz is eligible for a $500,000 bonus for this honor as a pre-arbitration player, but that bonus will be superseded by his $750,000 Rookie of the Year bonus.

2nd Basemen

Marte has been one of the most productive players at the position for nearly a decade, but has been rumored in trade discussions to begin the 2026 offseason. Turang had a breakout campaign in 2025, and is now arbitration eligible for the next four seasons. He also earns a $500,000 bonus for making 2nd-Team All-MLB as a pre-arbitration player.

Shortstops

Witt remains one of baseball's most productive, 5-tool players and will be handsomely compensated for the next decade-plus for those efforts. Bichette enters the winter as one of the most talented free agents, likely seeking a contract upwards of $200M in total value.

3rd Basemen

Ramirez, who finished 3rd in AL MVP voting, remains one of the most consistently productive players in all of baseball, while Caminero exploded out of the gate in his first full MLB season (45 HR, 110 RBI, .846 OPS). Caminero is eligible for a $500,000 bonus as a pre-arbitration player earning a 2nd-Team All-MLB honor.

Outfielders

Bang for buck at the top of this list as the top two paid OF find themselves on the 1st-Team. Soto finished 3rd in NL MVP voting, while Judge just clipped Cal Raleigh for his 3rd MVP h9nor in 4 seasons. Bellinger opted out of his contract in NY and will test the open market this winter. Soto earned a $100,000 bonus for his All-MLB honor. Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong will earn a $500,000 bonus as a pre-arbitration players securing a 2nd-Team All-MLB nod.

Designated Hitters

Ohtani secured his 4th MVP in 5 seasons, all of them unanimously. It's an unprecedented stretch not just by baseball standards, but across the sports landscape. Schwarber was the MVP runner-up to Ohtani in 2025, setting himself up very nicely for a second career trip through free agency this winter.