Best Right-Backs in the MLS (Oct 2026)
63 players tracked across 29 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Édier Ocampo
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
48.3
Álex Roldán
Seattle Sounders FC • 30 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.4M
48.0
Tayvon Gray
New York City Football Club • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
43.1
Juan Mosquera
Portland Timbers • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
43.1
Ilay Feingold
New England Revolution • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
42.5
Sergi Palencia
Los Angeles Football Club • 30 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
40.1
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
Red Bull New York • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
37.3
Facundo Mura
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 27 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
37.3
Jake Davis
Sporting Kansas City • 24 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
36.6
Jon Gallagher
Austin FC • 30 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
35.9
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Sign up freeÉdier Ocampo
Vancouver Whitecaps FC · 23 years old
48.3
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.1M - €3.7M
Álex Roldán
Seattle Sounders FC · 30 years old
48.0
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.2M - €2.7M
Tayvon Gray
New York City Football Club · 24 years old
43.1
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.6M - €3.2M
Juan Mosquera
Portland Timbers · 24 years old
43.1
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.6M - €3.2M
Ilay Feingold
New England Revolution · 22 years old
42.5
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.7M - €3.3M
Sergi Palencia
Los Angeles Football Club · 30 years old
40.1
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
Red Bull New York · 22 years old
37.3
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Facundo Mura
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 27 years old
37.3
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Jake Davis
Sporting Kansas City · 24 years old
36.6
ASI
Current Value
€1.8M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Jon Gallagher
Austin FC · 30 years old
35.9
ASI
Current Value
€1.8M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Right-Backs (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 63 MLS Right-Backs as of October 2026, representing 29 clubs with a combined market value of €67.3M. The average market value for MLS Right-Backs is €1.1M, with the average age at 26 years old.
The most valuable right-back in the MLS is Édier Ocampo, worth €3.5M and playing for Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Right-Backs average €3.2M in market value, including Álex Roldán and Tayvon Gray.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked right-back is Harbor Miller (19 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €800K), while the oldest is Nathan Byrne (34 years, Charlotte Football Club, €500K). Research shows Right-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 21 Right-Backs (33%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Right-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Right-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 29 clubs with €67.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Right-Backs
The MLS RB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (18 players, 29% of market). The 30+ age group holds the most value at €18.0M, averaging €1.0M per player.
Top Right-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (18 players)
24-26 Years (9 players)
27-29 Years (13 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Right-Backs (11% of players) control €20.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS RB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Right-Backs
Among 29 MLS clubs, Portland Timbers leads with 3 Right-Backs worth €5.0M (averaging €1.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 44% of tracked Right-Backs.
Portland Timbers (3 Right-Backs)
Red Bull New York (4 Right-Backs)
Seattle Sounders FC (3 Right-Backs)
Club de Foot Montréal (4 Right-Backs)
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Édier Ocampo at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.83×. That means Édier Ocampo is valued 5.83× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is New England Revolution's Ilay Feingold, who is 22 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty of Red Bull New York, who is 22 years old with a 3.33× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 5.83× means the player is worth 483% more than typical players their age-making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Édier Ocampo Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €600K | 5.83x |
| #2 | Ilay Feingold New England Revolution | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €600K | 5.00x |
| #3 | Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty Red Bull New York | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €600K | 3.33x |
| #4 | Tayvon Gray New York City Football Club | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00x |
| #5 | Juan Mosquera Portland Timbers | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00x |
| #6 | Frankie Westfield Philadelphia Union | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €800K | 1.88x |
| #7 | Leonardo Barroso Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67x |
| #8 | Willy Kumado San Diego Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67x |
| #9 | Kosi Thompson Colorado Rapids | 23 | 21-23 | €850K | €600K | 1.42x |
| #10 | Justin Che Red Bull New York | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €600K | 1.33x |
| #11 | Oscar Verhoeven San Diego Football Club | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €800K | 1.25x |
| #12 | Jake Davis Sporting Kansas City | 24 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20x |
| #13 | Harbor Miller Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | U21 | €800K | €800K | 1.00x |
| #14 | Nathan Harriel Philadelphia Union | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #15 | Mauricio Cuevas Los Angeles Galaxy | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €600K | 1.00x |
| #16 | Dawid Bugaj Club de Foot Montréal | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €600K | 1.00x |
| #17 | Kobe Franklin Toronto FC | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €600K | 1.00x |
| #18 | Bode Hidalgo Club de Foot Montréal | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #19 | Jaziel Orozco St. Louis City Soccer Club | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €600K | 0.83x |
| #20 | Juan Mina Red Bull New York | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €600K | 0.67x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for MLS Right-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for MLS Right-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for MLS Right-Backs.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for MLS Right-Backs.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for MLS Right-Backs.
Upgrade to FanIf you were MLS's sporting director, who would you sign?
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How We Rank MLS Right-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for right-backs, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for RB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS right-backs, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for MLS right-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
MLS competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
RB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 28: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for right-backs
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MLS Right-Backs, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Right-Backs in the MLS right now?
The most valuable right-back in the MLS today is Édier Ocampo, who is worth €3.5M and plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The second most valuable is Álex Roldán (€3.5M, Seattle Sounders FC), followed by Tayvon Gray (€3.0M, New York City Football Club). Our database tracks 63 MLS Right-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Right-Backs ranked?
MLS Right-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Right-Backs. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for MLS competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Right-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top right-back from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Right-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked right-back Édier Ocampo (market value: €3.5M), estimated transfer fees would range from €2.8M to €4.9M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual MLS transactions.
What is the value forecast for MLS Right-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Right-Backs based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-defenders have ±10% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the MLS right-back data come from?
Our MLS right-back data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official MLS sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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