These Eastern Conference free agent signings could bring success to their new homes

We are entering the final weekend of preseason before the 2024 Major League Soccer begins, and the Eastern Conference teams are starting to finalize their rosters. The free agency market for MLS players has been active throughout the offseason, with several players making the move to new homes within the league.

Still, free agency is meant to grab some known commodities within the league to bolster a team’s depth. At times, they can even change the trajectory of a team’s success, bringing much needed production to help a team as they compete for titles. Let’s examine 7 players who are making intraleague moves to an Eastern Conference team that we expect to help that team produce on the field this season.

Julian Gressel (Columbus Crew to Inter Miami)

The free agent who could have the biggest impact on a team this season is Julian Gressel, who arrives at Inter Miami from winning a MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew. He reunites with head coach Tata Martino, who coached him at Atlanta United where they won 3 trophies, including the 2018 MLS Cup.

At Atlanta United, Gressel’s production was off the charts. He contributed 20 goals and 36 assists under Martino in 3 seasons, which is better than the 12 goals and 27 assists that he’s had for 3 other teams (DC United, Vancouver Whitecaps, Columbus Crew) across the last 4 seasons. His service into the box will be welcome to a team who is looking for someone to facilitate the offense when teams focus in on Lionel Messi. He also can track back and even play defense. If we get Atlanta United Julian Gressel, Inter Miami will benefit greatly.

Nico Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders to Orlando City)

The 34-year-old playmaker comes to Orlando from Seattle, where he had 10+ assists in 6 of his last 7 seasons. He’s going to thrive in an offense that will be focused around his ability to make incredible plays on the ball, facilitate scoring chances for others, and even give him the space to take shots and score. He also had 58 goals across all competitions for Seattle, so Orlando hopes he can continue to thrive in the attacking role and help them make a push for the top spot in the conference.

Kellyn Acosta (LAFC to Chicago Fire)

The most recent free agent signing, Kellyn Acosta signed with the Chicago Fire from LAFC, and this could be a big boost to Chicago’s midfield. After 11 seasons in the Western Conference, he moves to the East to help the Fire’s midfield hold it down defensively. Acosta of course has USMNT experience, and he knows how to not only play the mind games, he can back it up on the field. Most importantly for Chicago, his presence will help free Xherdan Shaqiri to push forward on the flank and focus on offensive production more.

Josef Martinez (Inter Miami to CF Montreal)

Josef Martinez is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the league’s history, with 123 goals across all competitions for Atlanta United and Inter Miami over 6 seasons. He now moves to CF Montreal with the hope of a fresh start. This time though, he has a chip on his shoulder. He wants to go for the all-time scoring records and get back to his prolific pace, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities to do it. He has missed much of the past 4 seasons due to injuries, but if he remains healthy, he will help Montreal with his lethal poaching skills and ability to get behind the defense.

Miles Robinson (Atlanta United to FC Cincinnati)

On the defensive side of the ball, there was probably no bigger free agent signing than Miles Robinson moving to FC Cincinnati. The USMNT centerback was thought to have the option to go to Europe, but he now joins fellow USMNT centerback Matt Miazga to form potentially one of the best centerback groups in the entire league. Of course, the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have plenty of production up front, but Miles Robinson could be the final piece for them on defense to help push them towards a MLS Cup.

Dax McCarty (Nashville SC to Atlanta United)

Atlanta United has always been about the flashy young signings, usually preferring to spend their money on young attackers to boost production and energize fans with an exciting style of play. What they’ve been lacking lately is glue guys who just get the dirty work done. Enter Dax McCarty, who moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium from Nashville SC. McCarty’s job is to provide leadership and to serve as the game manager on the field. This will be his 19th MLS season, so his accolades are too long to list, but he’s hoping that he can quarterback Atlanta to one last shot at MLS Cup glory before he walks off into the sunset.

Jonathan Mensah (San Jose Earthquakes to New England Revolution)

Jonathan Mensah has been in MLS for 7 seasons, and the Ghanaian international has had more than 25 appearances across all competitions in each of those seasons. He moves from San Jose to New England, where he reunites with head coach Caleb Porter. Porter and Mensah were together with the Columbus Crew for 3 seasons, where they won the 2020 MLS Cup with Mensah as one of the leaders on that team. As New England hopes to take the next step, Mensah will be called upon to bolster defensive depth and provide leadership.