Inaugural MLS Re-Entry Draft Provides Fascinating Choices

Filed under: Chivas USA, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls

When the first stage of the inaugural MLS Re-Entry Draft kicks off Wednesday afternoon, it will mark the dawning of a new era for front offices and players alike.

A byproduct of last March's new, five-year collective bargaining agreement, the Re-Entry Draft is an offseason mechanism designed to provide MLS veterans with increased flexibility to move within the league.

Previously, MLS clubs often retained the rights for out-of-contract players they had no intention of re-signing, which left those individuals in a purgatory of sorts, unable to move on until their previous teams garnered fair trade offers. Now, certain veterans (who qualify based on age and years of service) with expired contracts or declined options are made available to the rest of the league in a two-part draft.

It's a step short of traditional free agency, which would drive price tags higher than the still-fledgling league can afford. But it's a fascinating new wrinkle.

 

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