Chicharito, Martinez headline players to watch for Stage Two of MLS Re-Entry Draft

By Favian Renkel

As Stage Two of the 2023 MLS Re-Entry Draft looms on the horizon, numerous players will aim to close out the week with their immediate futures determined.

With the league’s overall expansion and the increasing ambitions of MLS owners, the player pool for the MLS Re-Entry Draft continues to improve. Having only two players (Jader Obrian and Jonathan Bell) chosen in the initial stage, many intriguing names remain on the list, assuming they do not choose to withdraw from the MLS Re-Entry Draft.

Here is a closer look at five key names for Thursday’s Stage Two of the MLS Re-Entry Draft:

Chicharito

Renowned international star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez stands as one of the most iconic players ever to grace MLS.

Each MLS club should seek to secure Chicharito at the cheapest contract possible, leveraging his popularity to draw fans to the stadium. In his four-year stint with the LA Galaxy, the Mexican international tallied 38 goals and was a leader on and off the pitch.

Chicharito still remains a viable option for teams in need of both scoring prowess and leadership, even at the tail end of his legendary career. 

Admittedly, Hernandez, recovering from an ACL tear at 35 years old, may not command the same salary he once did. Having earned a substantial $7,443,750.00 in guaranteed compensation in his last year with the Galaxy, securing Chicharito for around $2,000,000 would represent astute business for any team. 

The Houston Dynamo, Orlando City, and Chicago Fire emerge as fitting choices, promising an uplift in ticket sales and the infusion of a seasoned presence. Houston, in particular, seems ideal, offering a blend of leadership, a marquee player, and the potential for Chicharito to team up with his fellow Mexico international, Hector Herrera.

Houston also has an open DP spot ready if they want to select Javier Hernandez in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. 

Josef Martinez

The player who, during the initial stages of the Leagues Cup, captivated spectators by forming a friendship with the greatest soccer player of all time, now sees himself outside the Inter Miami squad.

Josef Martinez was more than just Lionel Messi’s best friend before Sergio Busquets came to Miami, as the Venezuelan international formed one-half of one of the most formidable duos in recent league history. In 2018, Martinez etched his name in MLS lore, becoming the most decorated player in a single season with achievements such as the League MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Golden Boot, and MLS Cup Final MVP. 

However, following two knee surgeries, the Venezuelan striker is struggling to secure a place in the team under his current contract of $4,391,667 in guaranteed compensation. Despite notching 12 goals in 40 appearances last season, this remains a substantial cost for any MLS club. A more budget-friendly contract, ideally under $2,000,000 in guaranteed compensation, could make Martinez a valuable asset in the league.

NYCFC emerges as an ideal destination for Martinez, addressing their need for a proven striker to bolster goal-scoring efforts in the Big Apple. Given Martinez’s experience in the spotlight throughout the previous year, adapting to the media frenzy of New York should prove seamless for the 30-year-old player.

The Talles Magno being a striker experiment could also finally be put to rest. 

Nathan

The former San Jose Earthquakes starter finds himself in the MLS Re-Entry draft coming off an ACL tear. Nathan is one year removed from winning multiple MLS Team of the Week honors, and at the age of 28 still has a ton to give to a struggling defense. 

Nathan made $741,250 in guaranteed compensation, and if the Brazilian centerback is willing to take a pay cut, he is still a starting-caliber player in MLS. This is a player that the Earthquakes will be hoping that no other club takes in the MLS Re-Entry draft, as Rodrigues and Nathan were the intended partnership in Luchi Gonzalez’s first season at the helm.

Look for a team like the Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids, or Toronto FC to go after a centerback with tons of MLS potential to try to sure up their backline on the cheap. All three teams were in the top-six in goals allowed, and Nathan would help fill that gap they have in their defense.

Miguel Trauco

The Peruvian International finds himself undervalued by the San Jose Earthquakes, his former club, especially given his current salary. While Miguel Trauco faced defensive challenges in the past season, the 31-year-old showcased some Goal of the Week-worthy long-range goals in the Black and Blue. 

With a non-TAM guaranteed salary of $550,000, Trauco doesn’t fall into the category of being excessively overpaid like other stars on this list. The unexpected decision by San Jose not to retain him at this rate has surprised many fans. Trauco’s recent unfollowing of the San Jose Earthquakes on social media too suggests that he is actively seeking a new team.

Teams like Atlanta United or Orlando City should be considering the addition of Trauco to their squad at a more affordable rate. Both teams also already have a Peruvian International, potentially making the transition smoother for Trauco.

Given his tendency to perform well with Peru, having a teammate from his international side on his club team could positively impact his game.

Matias Pellegrini

Although it may seem like Matias Pellegrini has been a fixture in the league for quite some time, the 23-year-old still possesses the potential to contribute to an MLS team.

With 47 MLS appearances under his belt, Pellegrini can provide valuable minutes to a team seeking production from the wings. Alternatively, a team could seize the opportunity to acquire a player with significant potential at a reasonable cost.

Priced at a guaranteed salary of $1,120,833, the Argentine comes with a hefty cost considering he only managed one goal and one assist in 1,151 minutes of play. If a team can sign Pellegrini to a non-DP or TAM deal, this selection would be a steal. 

Watch out for the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, and San Jose Earthquakes as potential contenders to take a gamble on a player possessing potential and MLS experience. FC Dallas, in particular, faces the challenge of filling a void left by the departure of Jader Obrian and the Colorado Rapids consistently seek players with potential to help their roster, recognizing the need for talent to contribute to the franchise’s turnaround.

Although Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft has been relatively uneventful in previous years, the caliber of talent in this year’s list suggests that clubs may finally take notice of this roster mechanism, potentially leading to the selection of some superstars for the first time.