Why Jacob Bartlett could be Sporting KC’s secret weapon for a game-changing 2025 | OneFootball

The big move made by Sporting Kansas City was the promotion of young Jacob Bartlett to the first team. Still only 19, Bartlett signed a contract through 2027 with options to extend into 2028 and 2029. He represents the strength of the club's academy and Sporting KC's commitment to developing local talent.

The making of a local talent

Bartlett is the 22nd homegrown player to graduate from the Sporting Kansas City Academy, but what makes him different is how deeply connected he is to the city. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, he's the first local player since Cam Duke in 2019 to truly embody that community-rooted identity. He initiated his career very early in the club, joining at the age of 11 after training with the Center of Excellence-a program designed to bring up young budding players.

In his development, Bartlett collected a few titles like the 2019 LA Galaxy Cup and participation in prestigious national and international tournaments such as the Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Fest.

A versatile midfielder

Bartlett is not nailed to one position on the pitch. As a midfielder, he brings balance and transitional play, but he can also step in as a center-back or even as a right-back. He showed this during his time with Sporting KC II, where he played eight games in the 2023 season, logging minutes across multiple positions.

Chris Henderson, Sporting Kansas City’s sporting director, highlighted this adaptability, saying, "Jacob is a player who can adjust to different game situations, which is essential for the dynamic style we’re implementing." With a roster set to face challenges in competitions like the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS, Bartlett offers valuable options for the coaching staff.

The family influence on Bartlett’s development

Jacob Bartlett is not the first or only one in his family to have a professional path in soccer. As a matter of fact, he is the third of three brothers to turn pro: Alec and Lucas Bartlett also reached the professional level. His brother Lucas, currently with DC United, provides a nearby example of how to work out a path in MLS, while Alec had a stint with Charlotte Independence.

His time at the University of Notre Dame was another pivotal time in his development. A freshman-year starter, Bartlett played in 16 games, scoring one of the most memorable goals of the year. The leap from collegiate soccer to the professional ranks is a chasm, but Bartlett doesn't seem fazed.

Opportunities and trials at Sporting Kansas City

For Jacob Bartlett, 2025 will be one of those do-or-die seasons in his career, with a hectic calendar that saw him make a Concacaf Champions Cup debut against Inter Miami in addition to starting in the MLS opener against Austin FC.

He is still adapting, but Bartlett's prior exposure with the first team through extended preseason camps in both 2023 and 2024 places him ahead. He has shown he can be a meaningful contributor as either a starter or a rotational player.