Free agency in Major League Soccer is still in its early days. The league added it as a mechanism a few years back, and for the most part, it hasn’t lead to any massive headlines. With the most sought-after names from the 2026 free agent class now off the market, and beginning preseason camp in their new home, here's who I felt got he most out of this tool ahead of the 2026 season.
1- Cristian Espinoza - Nashville SC (previously with San Jose Earthquakes)
I discussed this one previously here and in our weekly Monday newsletter (cheap plug to get subscribed to receive that each Monday). Espinoza has been low key one of the best players in MLS over the last few years, despite being in San Jose.
I’d point to his season with guys like Jeremy Ebobisse in 2022, when Ebobisse scored 17 goals that season and Espinoza 14 assists. In the last two seasons, he’s had 12 and 14 assists. He’ll now have two solid attacking options to support in duo of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge. Nashville has to be a sneaky option for a trophy (like the Supporters’ Shield) in 2026 with this attacking group.
2- Dayne St. Clair - Inter Miami (previously with Minnesota United)
I still do not understand how Minnesota let St. Clair walk for free like this after winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. If Miami is going to continue to gobble up trophies in 2026, it will be due to a move like this one. St. Clair is a solid shot-stopper, but an even better penalty kick stopper. Miami is expected to be in multiple tournaments this season, so having a PK stopper like St. Clair is a massive ‘get’.
3- Justin Haak - LA Galaxy (previously with NYCFC)
Haak was a guy I had on my shortlist for FC Dallas this winter, but that was before the club made it known that they weren’t going after any additional center backs. The Galaxy have needed some solid defensive reinforcements for a number of years now, including their 2024 MLS Cup winning season. Getting Haak and Jakob Glesnes from Philadelphia this winter make the Galaxy far more interesting to me than they have been in a while.
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4- Walker Zimmerman - Toronto FC (previously with Nashville SC)
Do I think Zimmerman will turn Toronto around and back into a title contender over night? No. But, do I think he adds enough quality to make them a playoff team in 2026? Absolutely. Toronto has lacked the veteran leadership that Zimmerman will add, both on and off the field.
Zimmerman has to stay healthy for this move to make sense in the long run, and after missing some time in 2025 with Nashville, part of me does get more of a ‘Matt Hedges to Toronto’ vibes with this move than anything else.
5- Sean Johnson - DC United (previously with Toronto FC)
I get that Johnson saw his career take a bit of a dip during his time in Toronto, but the former national team keeper can still be a game changer with the right team. D.C. United may not be that team right now, but I like their rebuild that is currently in progress. Johnson should help get United out of the MLS gutter.
6- Robin Lod - Chicago Fire (previously with Minnesota United
Like Espinoza, this could be a sneaky good move for the Fire this season. The Finnish international isn’t a flashy guy on the field, but he has produced very well for the Loons, contributing 41g/28a in 185 matches (all competitions). If the Fire are going to end up being a contender this year, and stay in the playoff race, it will be because of moves like this one.
Don’t miss out: 2026 is here and with that we need your support more than ever! By upgrading your subscription, you are allowing local independent media to continue to go out and cover the team you support.
