Seattle Sounders depth chart as some surprising names enter free agency | OneFootball

The Sounders had one of the deepest teams in the MLS, but injuries sidelined a significant amount of talent. The Rave Green still managed to win the Leagues Cup and had a respectable showing in the Club World Cup. Now it is time for Craig Waibel to provide Brian Schmetzer with a line-up that can continue to grow the reputation of the Club as the premier team in the MLS, with some noticeable differences.

The Sounders optioned for the 2026 season for Yeimar, Osaze De Rosaio, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Danny Musovski, Nouhou and Obed Vargas. Obed Vargas's future in still uncertain as his play in the Club World Cup drew international interest in the young midfielder, but for now, he is on the roster.

Many players are still under contract and are expected to return for next season. This includes Paul Arriola, who missed much of the season and did not have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the team yet.

Other returning stars include Pedro de la Vega, Jesús Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Albert Rusnák, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou, and Christian Roldan. Blossoming talents will also return, including Cody Baker, Reed Baker-Whiting, Snyder Brunell, Stuart Hawkins, Georgi Minoungou and Andrew Thomas. One of the utility players, Alex Roldan, is also still under contract.

The Sounders did not re-sign some major contributors to the club. The most notable is the Sounders' legendary keeper Stefan Frei. Frei's save of Jose Altidore's shot, where he reached back and clawed the ball from entering the goal, helped clinch Seattle the MLS Cup, not to mention has performances in his career with the Sounders as the MLS failed to honor him as the best goaltender during his era.

João Paulo and Paul Rothrock helped push through tough times with their flair and passion for the game, and at times seemed to be the only players contributing to the effort. Jonathan Bell was a solid backup on the defensive line, and Ryan Kent was barely able to realize his potential as he was reintroduced to playing with a team after a lengthy absence from competitive soccer. These players could be resigned, but for now, they are floating in the waters of free agency.

Frei and João Paulo may return in a different capacity. If Frei returns, it may be as a backup to the emerging Andrew Thomas. If João Paulo returns, it may be in a coaching capacity if he decides to retire.

Without signing those free agents, the Sounders look to have about $1.6 million to spend, plus any money that they would get for trading Obed Vargas and a deal that looks to be already made that will send Danny Leyva to Necaxa. The Sounders will need back up keepers and defenders as well as attempting to bolster their talent levels at various positions.

Along with talent, they will need to replace the energy and spark that Paul Rothrock brought with him on a consistent basis that often provided them with just enough to put them in position to win.

Seattle Sounders' current depth chart

Here is the breakdown of their current roster:

Keeper (1): Andrew Thomas

Defense (8): Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Cody Baker, Stuart Hawkins, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Nouhou, Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan

Midfielders (8): Paul Arriola, Reed Baker-Whiting, Snyder Brunell, Pedro de la Vega, Georgi Minoungou, Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnák, Obed Vargas?

Strikers (4): Osaze De Rosario, Jesús Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Danny Musovski