There was a feeling the Colorado Rapids’ year-end roster moves could be sizable. On Tuesday, those moves were confirmed by the club as it announced its decisions.
Colorado announced it had exercised extending contract options on three players and declined seven. Two players’ contracts expired, while another player’s loan ended. The Rapids also said they remain in contract discussions with three of the players whose deals were declined.
Those that had their options renewed included defender Andrew Gutman, forward Calvin Harris and midfielder Ralph Priso. All were on the final year of guaranteed contracts with their prior teams before arriving in Colorado over the course of the last 18 months. Harris was on a three-year Generation Adidas deal when he was selected by FC Cincinnati in the MLS 2021 SuperDraft. Priso was on a Homegrown Player contract from Toronto FC. Gutman signed with Atlanta United in 2021 on a three-year deal with a team option for 2024 before coming to Colorado this past summer.
Seven players had their options declined, including: goalkeepers Abraham Rodriguez and William Yarbrough; defenders Sebastian Anderson, Steven Beitashour and Gustavo Vallecilla; and midfielders Oliver Larraz and Jack Price. The team said it is negotiating with Homegrown Players Anderson, Larraz and Yarbrough.
Beitashour, 36, spent four seasons in Colorado and was an integral locker room presence. The 13-year MLS veteran will become a free agent, but fans will remember his work ethic and commitment, as well as a humble attitude off the pitch.
Colorado decided not to offer new contracts to striker Diego Rubio and late-season signing Luis Díaz. Midfielder Danny Leyva’s loan expiration means he will return to his parent club, Seattle Sounders.
Also of note, defender Danny Wilson, who was in the final year of a two-year guaranteed contract extension, had a one-year team option for 2024 kick in automatically due to performance metrics he hit over the last two seasons.
As it stands, Colorado has 24 players on its roster for 2024, but the MLS offseason is just getting started. It’s expected the Rapids will be active in the winter market after a dismal 2023 season.
New head coach Chris Armas will have his introductory press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
A full list of who’s under contract for 2024 can be found here.
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