Roster Deep Dive - Vol. 2
Colorado Rapids
Building and maintaining an MLS roster is complex. Success is difficult to measure, but analyzing past and current roster builds provides teams with a chance to use hindsight and recognize patterns. Applying the MLS’ roster rules to each club’s resources and playing style requires strong analytical skills. At first blush, to the untrained eye, it would appear that all MLS clubs are operating on a level playing field with respect to resources; however, not all resources are applied in the same manner. As in any sports league, on field success may come at a steep cost, and cost consciousness may lead to poor on field results. Managing an MLS salary budget is a delicate balance that requires knowledge of the game and a deep understanding of the MLS roster rules. On that note, let’s dive in to the current roster composition of the Colorado Rapids.1
Current Landscape
To level-set, as of the time of writing, the Rapids’ roster consists of the following: (i) 21 senior players (including A. Trusty, who was recently transferred to Arsenal and immediately loaned back to Colorado); (ii) 8 international players; (iii) 0 designated players; and (iv) 2 Under 22 initiative players.
Designated Players
As stated above, the Rapids’ current roster includes zero (0) designated players. By design, the Rapids frugality has forced the stewards of the organization’s funds to think critically about every slot on the roster. According to last year’s MLSPA data, both Michael Barrios and Bryan Acosta are eligible to for designated player (or TAM) classification. Given that the Rapids are net positive on 2022 GAM receipts considering recent transfers (see below), it is likely that the Rapids will use its remaining GAM to either (i) buy down salaries or (ii) secure additional trades for players within the MLS.
U22 Initiative
Lucas Esteves and the recent signing, Max, have both been designated as U22 Initiative players, allowing the Rapids to take advantage of the salary reduction provided in connection with relatively new rule adjustment. Lucas, 21, and Max, 20 will have a combined salary budget impact of $350,000, regardless of the take-home salary of each player. If both players can contribute meaningful minutes, the relatively small budget impact will be well worth it.
Recent Transactions
The Rapids have been on a selling spree. As with all MLS teams, the Rapids have completed previous transactions that may have an impact on 2022 GAM and TAM balances, the details of the ongoing impact of these transactions is unclear (e.g. Nicolas Benezet’s trade to Seattle). As such, this analysis excludes transactions in which 2020/2021 GAM and TAM may have been applied based on conditions or the performance of any particular player or team. See below for the Rapids recent transactions.
Auston Trusty, recently transferred and loaned back to the Rapids, will remain with the Rapids in the coming months. The details of the transaction were not publicly disclosed; it is a rather unique transaction that involves the transfer of a player within the same ownership group, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.
Rumored to have been monitored by European clubs, the Rapids were able to obtain $1.1 million in GAM for Acosta. While the transfer of Kellyn Acosta to Western Conference rivals LAFC stuck many as an odd decision, the amount received in exchange for the USMNT regular completely offset the transactions involving the acquisitions of Max and Aboubacar Keita. The acquisition of Keita, a known commodity, will add to the Rapids solidity. With Max, the Rapids have taken a long-term, calculated risk on a young player with significant potential.
Allocation Money Remaining
Given the transactions referenced above, before applying any GAM or TAM to reduce salary budget charges, the Rapids’ approximate GAM and TAM balances are likely close to the below figures.
Net positive on GAM, the Rapids have a significant amount of allocation money to work with in order to (i) buy down salaries or (ii) bring in any future players.
Gaps to Fill
It is important to recognize the solid squad built by the cost-conscious Rapids organization. A great coach and a solid core led to a great regular season; the Rapids finished top of Western conference, yet were knocked out in their first game of the playoffs.
Given the strength of the current squad, expect the Rapids to be very disciplined in their approach to any additions to their senior roster. Solid through the middle of the park, there are no glaring gaps in the Rapids squad. For a visualization of the Rapids’ senior roster, see below for the roster assigned by position group. There is a significant amount of time before the MLS season begins, and the Rapids have a significant amount of allocation money to acquire quality players in the coming weeks and months.
Next Steps
With no glaring gaps, expect the Rapids’ organization to implement an efficient, disciplined approach to bringing in players will be able to step in and make an impact immediately.
Note: This Roster Deep Dive incorporates (i) assumptions related to (a) TAM and GAM amounts applied; and (b) previous TAM and GAM amounts applied to the current year’s 2022 budget; (ii) salary data from the MLSPA’s annual release of player salary data; and (iii) publicly available information and estimates related to transfer fees. Screenshots generated using Counterfor.io.