Beitashour In, Zardes Out

Today the Rapids announced that Steven Beitashour has re-signed on a one year deal with a team option for 2024.  This gives us added depth at outside back and he'll fill the "grizzled veteran" role now that Drew Moor has retired.  I still think we need a regular starter at LB in front of him but this at least gives us some wiggle room.

Yesterday Austin FC announced they had signed Gyasi Zardes to a new 3 year deal.  This was the type of deal the Rapids couldn't afford to offer him since there were a number of clauses in the trade for his rights with Columbus that would have kicked in that would have sent GAM to the Crew from our coffers.  I am not at all surprised that we passed on making a deal with Zardes given that, it was the right move.  But it leaves us looking for a #9 still.

I have heard a rumor that no deal could be reached to bring Felipe Gutierrez back on a loan (or outright) so the only remaining player from our 2022 roster we expected to try to bring back after they were released (or their contract was up) was Michael Edwards.  Even if we bring Edwards back I don't expect him to be a significant contributor in 2023.  That means any more additions will be new to the team.