MLS is officially in the off-season, as players out of contract in 2025 are now free agents ready to find a new club.
Ahead of the transfer window truly beginning to heat up, we took a look at three of the biggest names without a club heading into 2026.
Christian Benteke (D.C. United)
📸 Leonardo Fernandez – 2025 Getty Images
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The 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner declined his 2026 contract option and announced his desire to leave the nation’s capital.
After 46 goals in his last three seasons in a frankly woeful D.C. United side, you would think Benteke would have plenty of suitors heading into 2026.
Depending on the kind of wages the former Premier League star would be demanding, the veteran Belgian striker would surely make a great addition to a team looking to compete for MLS Cup next season.
Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United)
📸 David Berding – 2025 Getty Images
It’s not often that the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is a free agent, but the 28-year-old is available as Minnesota look to tie him down to a longer contract.
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While he may remain in the Twin Cities, other clubs can now make offers to the shot-stopper.
St. Clair is the standout option to start for Canada at the 2026 World Cup and would be a potentially season-altering addition for any team in MLS looking to fill a void between the sticks.
Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes)
📸 Ezra Shaw – 2025 Getty Images
Much to the dismay of San Jose fans, the Earthquakes chose not to tie Espinoza, their all-time assist leader, down to a new deal before his previous contract expired at the end of the 2025 campaign.
The 30-year-old led the league in key passes this year, and routinely tops the charts for big chances created.
A truly underrated baller in MLS, Espinoza has had at least eight assists in every MLS season he has featured in.
📸 Leonardo Fernandez – 2025 Getty Images
