MLS free agency opens: A guide for Sounders fans

The MLS free agency period officially opened on Thursday and this year seems to have a bit more intrigue than usual for Seattle Sounders fans. That’s mainly because there are several notable Sounders who are eligible, some of whom might be back and others who are likely already out. There are also a bunch of other intriguing names on the market, and given all the rumors we’ve had swirling around the Sounders, it’s probably worth keeping an eye on a few of those.

Let’s dig in:

How does this work again?

It’s worth remembering that until 2016, there was no such thing as free agency within MLS. That was a right won through years of hard-fought negotiations and at one point seemed almost like a non-starter for many MLS owners. We’re now into our second CBA with free agency and it’s expanded to the point where there are many players available who multiple teams actually want to sign.

But that doesn’t make it an entire free-for-all. The first thing to understand is there are still eligibility requirements – in this case a player must be at least 24 years old and have at least five years of MLS service time.

There are also all sorts of rules about just how much of a raise players can get and how the bidding process works, but we don’t need to get bogged down in that. Just understand there are limits.

Which Sounders are eligible?

Albert Rusnák

The Sounders actually signed Rusnák as a free agent back in 2022, making him the first Designated Player to take advantage of the mechanism. Back then, there was a fair amount of competition for his services and at one point it looked like he was going to join the Galaxy. Three years later, he’s on the market again and coming off a career-best season after scoring 11 goals and dishing out 19 assists across all competitions.

Both Rusnák and Sounders GM Craig Waibel have made it sound like the two sides are on the same page as far as his potential return, which sure makes it seem likely. Here’s what Waibel told Sounder at Heart on Tuesday:

“I’m optimistic because of the way our conversations have gone,” he said. “I think we both want to get something done. Now it’s a matter of getting that final piece over the line and what makes him comfortable, what makes us comfortable. Where does he best fit for the Sounders? Does that make sense for him? We’re working through those final details to see where we’re all comfortable and I’m pretty sure we’re going to find a resolution.”

This all seems pretty straightforward, but there are some complications. Based on a lot of reporting, the Sounders seem to be in the midst of some significant roster changes. My very strong suspicion is that they’d prefer to get Rusnák off his Designated Player tag — or at least get his salary to a level where that’s possible — and are willing to give him more guaranteed years and money to do it. Rusnák, understandably, would probably like to move in the opposite direction after having a career year. He might be willing to take less guaranteed money in the long term and bet he can recoup it with his next contract. The question isn’t so much about the two sides’ desire to stay together, but what sacrifices they’re willing to make.

João Paulo

This one is a bit more complicated, albeit still manageable. João Paulo has at times been the best defensive midfielder in MLS. But he’ll turn 34 shortly after the 2025 season starts and is apparently dealing with a chronic hip issue that may never get fully better. Simply put, he’s not the player he once was, and will at best only be that player in short spurts. One way or another, he’s going to have to take a big pay cut from the $1.4 million he was guaranteed in 2024.

The Sounders have given strong signals that they’d like to bring him back and João Paulo seems to like it here, but it’s entirely possible some other MLS team is willing to pay more of a premium for a player who is still elite on his day. I think it’s at best 50/50 he returns.

Raúl Ruidíaz

The Sounders have already sent out social media messages essentially bidding farewell to Ruidíaz, who has also made it clear he’s not planning to come back. I have to believe there’s a market for him somewhere in MLS, maybe even on a decent salary, but there’s virtually no chance he’s back with Seattle next year.

What about other out-of-contract Sounders?

Nathan and Dylan Teves will be eligible for the Re-Entry Draft that takes place on Friday. Basically, that gives teams a chance to select players and pick up the options that were already declined. If they don’t get selected in the first stage of the Re-Entry Draft, they can then be selected in Stage 2, which gives teams the ability to negotiate new terms. If they still aren’t selected, they effectively become free agents.

Sota Kitahara still doesn’t meet the requirements to be eligible for the Re-Entry Draft but went through what’s called the “End-of-Year Waivers process.” That is essentially a reverse-order-of-standings draft. Best I can tell, he was not picked and is now effectively a free agent.

Which other free agents seem attractive?

There’s not one obvious prize of this year’s free-agent class, but there are a bunch of players who I think will get a fair amount of attention. For my money, the most attractive player on the market is Philadelphia Union centerback Jack Elliott, who I’m a bit confused about. All the metrics love Elliott, he’s still just 29 and didn’t even seem all that expensive for a borderline Defender of the Year candidate at a little less than $900,000. But I really don’t see the Sounders adding another expensive centerback. Here are a few players they might take a closer look at:

Jeremy Ebobisse: If the Sounders really acquire Jesus Ferreira, we can cross Ebobisse off the list. But until that happens, I would think this is a player they’d need to look at. Sure, he’s coming off a couple of underwhelming seasons, but he’s also only two years removed from a 17-goal season and he’s still just 27. I wouldn’t want him to displace Jordan Morris at the No. 9, but he’d be a quality backup and could be enticed with plenty of playing time given the schedule congestion the Sounders will be facing this season.

Yamil Asad: If the Sounders are looking for wingbacks — and it seems like they are — Asad is definitely an intriguing option after moving there with FC Cincinnati last year. The 30-year-old had six goals and five assists in about 1,200 minutes across all competitions.

Latif Blessing: A bit of an enigma, Blessing’s performances have ranged from “budding superstar” to “can’t get on the field.” I won’t pretend to know which is closer to reality, but he is a very versatile player with some upside.