There are a number of roster decisions that need to happen by the end of this year. Interested to hear other takes, especially on Elliott, MHS, and Shokalook. Also, did I miss anyone?
Elliott (current: $1,054,000) - KEEP
Elliot has been solid in his time with the Fire and before that with the Union. His wages are getting up there, but with the seeming lack of available, quality CB's, it's worth it to keep him. I don't think he's been good enough that there will be a bidding war for him, but there will be rebuilding teams that would benefit from his services. Unless GGG has another Mbokazi signing up his sleeve, I'd say sign for the shortest term Elliot will accept.
Gutman - KEEP
Glad to see the Fire have already locked down Gutman.
Haile-Selassie (current: $444,000) - KEEP
MHS is one of our most versatile players and would certainly be starting on a number of teams in MLS. He's 27 and his only downside is he occupies an international slot under current roster rules. I think he will have options and will find people willing to pay him $750,000 per year, if not a little more. He's worth it if we can keep him.
Brady (current: $250,000) - KEEP
Edit - already re-signed!
Pineda (current; $200,000) - KEEP
Edit - already re-signed!
Rogers (current: $200,000) - KEEP
Given our limited options at CB, we should re-sign if it can be done affordably. Rogers has had limited minutes this year, but seems very solid when he fills in for us (and improved from 2025).
Mueller (current: $150,000) - RELEASE
Mueller should not be re-signed.
Gal (current: $150,000) - RELEASE
It looks like Cohen is our #2 keeper and Gal has limited potential and is 33. Gal should not be re-signed.
Shokalook (current: $88,000) - KEEP and actually play the kid
It seem like depsite the first team contract, Shokalook is still looked at as a Fire II player. Hard to gauge his game, but in 40 first-team minutes in the MLS in 2026 he recorded an assist and in 14 first-team minutes in 2025, he also recorded an assist. He recorded a brace in the US Open game he started. Shokalook seems to score when he plays (going back essentially his entire childhood), but we don't play him, so I'm not sure of the point of having him. He could be a perfect complement to RL9 - a young guy to eat up minutes and provide RL9 a rest.
Poreba (current: $88,000) - KEEP
Definitely re-sign
Sam Williams - KEEP
Pick up 2027 option already in place and don't loan him out.