Reds’ optimism overrides calls for overhaul
Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko says while his shopping list is short, there is still plenty to do in the offseason. With 22 players already signed, there are few openings on an MLS roster that can range between 28 and 30 in number.
Fewer still given Bezbatchenko needs to find a third goalkeeper, is looking to keep Brazilian wingback Auro and Argentine forward Lucas Janson (both of whose loans expire at the end of the year), and hopes to bring out-of-contract homegrown striker Jordan Hamilton back in the fold.
Given those tight numbers, Bezbatchenko said he can’t rule out moving out a player or two via trade or loan.
“If there’s a player that we find internationally (or) in the league that we feel will help us get better then I can find a roster spot,” he told a media conference call Wednesday.
The club has said it is looking to bolster its defence, add an attacking option and perhaps some offensive flair on the wing.
“We believe in this roster and this team and this group of players,” Bezbatchenko said. “They competed at a high level very recently ... So I don’t think there’s any rationale for any sort of overhaul or major change in this roster.” TFC tumbled from champions in 2017 to 19th in the MLS standings in an injury-plagued 2018 season complicated by a gruelling run to the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Toronto has three international slots open, two of which would be needed for Auro and Janson if they return.
Compared to previous years, Bezbatchenko says the team is in a good salary cap spot. And he has plenty of time before the March 1 compliance date to get his roster in order.
On Tuesday, Toronto declined options on goalkeeper Clint Irwin and forward Tosaint Ricketts. Defender Jason Hernandez, like Hamilton, will be out of contract at the end of the year.
Bezbatchenko said the team hopes to have the 22-year-old Hamilton back. Hamilton, who made $100,400 (U.S.) this season, is desirable because of his homegrown player status, which gets favourable salary cap treatment.
One major task is sorting out the future of designated players Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Sebastian Giovinco beyond 2019, when their contracts expire. The trio, who will be 29, 31 and 32 come the start of next season, accounted for 70 per cent of Toronto’s league-high payroll of $26.6 million this year.
Bezbatchenko, who expects all three to be back in 2019, says “more earnest” long-term talks are starting to take place with their agents.