MLS Free Agency Goldmine: 5 Elite Stars Still Up for Grabs in 2026
The buildup to the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign began with intense activity in the free agent market.
Although MLS players have historically had limited say in their club choices, numerous seasoned players have secured new teams via free agency, which demands at least four years of league experience.
Before 2026 arrived, five players from Sports Illustrated's top 10 free agent list had signed with MLS clubs, while two others, including 2024 MLS Golden Boot champion Christian Benteke, departed the league.
Below, Sports Illustrated examines the five most valuable remaining free agents still on the market before the 2026 season begins.
5. Gastón Brugman
Just two campaigns ago, Gastón Brugman earned the MLS Cup MVP honor with LA Galaxy after helping the team overcome Red Bull New York to secure their third championship. While the 33-year-old may not possess the same energy as before, he remains a valuable utility option for the right organization.
His previous campaign with Nashville SC fell short of expectations, as he struggled to establish consistency across 24 league appearances. Nevertheless, Brugman demonstrated glimpses of his ability as a ball-recovering and pace-setting midfielder.
For squads expecting heavy fixture congestion and seeking additional midfield leadership in rotation, Brugman represents an ideal candidate—with San Diego FC potentially viewing him as support for Jeppe Tverskov.
Likely Destinations: San Diego FC, Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo
4. Fafá Picault
Fafá Picault wasn't expected to be among the earliest signings this transfer window, yet few substitute players can impact matches like he did during his brief stint with Inter Miami in 2025. Across 720 minutes, he contributed four goals and one assist, offering dangerous attacking options from the bench during the club's MLS Cup triumph.
The 34-year-old also guided Haiti to their first World Cup berth since 1971 and will likely feature prominently in this summer's tournament. Additionally, Picault brings over 244 MLS appearances spanning nine seasons and could see substantially more playing time than he received with Miami.
Given his family ties to Miami, the attacker will probably prefer southern locations, though this shouldn't eliminate other possibilities, including former club Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who currently need left-wing depth following Canadian international Ali Ahmed's transfer to Championship outfit Norwich City.
Likely Destinations: Vancouver Whitecaps, Sporting Kansas City, CF Montréal
3. Mikael Uhre
Philadelphia Union has conducted a major clearout this offseason, with Danish striker Mikael Uhre appearing next to depart, remaining unsigned in early January. The 31-year-old finished last season with six goals and six assists in just 1,325 minutes, positioning him for expanded opportunities.
The Athletic previously indicated his interest in returning to Europe after four MLS seasons, but without concrete offers materializing, Uhre might consider remaining in American soccer.
Though teams may hesitate regarding his age and prefer shorter contracts, they can trust his goal-scoring ability and availability as a TAM signing, despite earning $2 million as a Designated Player with Philadelphia in 2025.
Likely Destinations: Toronto FC, San Diego FC, FC Dallas
2. Diego Fagúndez
Any organization seeking a veteran MLS midfielder with significant career longevity should be actively pursuing Diego Fagúndez—it's surprising the 30-year-old remains unsigned in early January.
Fagúndez made his debut in 2011 and has maintained consistent performance, accumulating 424 appearances with LA Galaxy, Austin FC, and New England Revolution. Last campaign, he registered six goals and three assists across more than 2,400 regular-season minutes.
Following Riqui Puig's departure for 2026, Galaxy might reconsider pursuing Fagúndez. However, other organizations will likely maintain interest in this reliable midfielder who understands how to exploit the league's remaining 29 teams.
Likely Destinations: LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, D.C. United
1. Cristian Espinoza
Cristian Espinoza reaches 31 in April but stands among the premier available free agents, concluding an exceptional six-year tenure with San Jose Earthquakes that has likely reached its conclusion.
While numerous highly-rated free agents have secured contracts, Espinoza has avoided transfer speculation, despite possessing five or six additional years of elite-level performance. Furthermore, the Argentine completed last season with four goals and 12 assists across 31 league matches.
Some organizations may worry about extended commitments given his age, but Espinoza's reliability of featuring in at least 30 of 34 regular-season games since joining San Jose in 2019 should alleviate such worries.
Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected goals assisted (xGA) per FBRef and topped MLS with 117 key passes.
With his Earthquakes era apparently concluded, Espinoza seeks an organization where he can perform well into his thirties while maintaining an important role. Securing his services will likely require a Designated Player position, however.
Likely Destinations: FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Minnesota United