Best U23 Young Players in the MLS
198 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Players in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Young Players 2024-25
Our database tracked 195 MLS Young Players in the 2024-25 season, representing 30 clubs with a combined market value of €261.0M. The average market value for MLS Young Players was €1.3M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young player in the MLS was Diego Luna, worth €8.0M and played for Real Salt Lake City at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Players averaged €6.8M in market value, including Obed Vargas and Paxten Aaronson.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young player was Peyton Miller (18 years, New England Revolution, €3.0M), while the oldest was Louis Munteanu (23 years, D.C. United, €4.5M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 195 Young Players (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Young Players remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2024-25 season.
💡 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.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 30 clubs with €261.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Players
The MLS ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (142 players, 73% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €209.8M, averaging €1.5M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (53 players)
21-23 Years (142 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 20 Young Players (10% of players) control €95.8M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 3% of the MLS ALL pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Players
Among 30 MLS clubs, Inter Miami CF leads with 7 Young Players worth €18.9M (averaging €2.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 43% of tracked Young Players.
Inter Miami CF (7 Young Players)
New York Red Bulls (12 Young Players)
Colorado Rapids (11 Young Players)
CF Montréal (13 Young Players)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Diego Luna
Real Salt Lake City • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.1
Obed Vargas
Seattle Sounders FC • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.2M
56.9
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.3
Mateo Silvetti
Inter Miami CF • 20 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
53.3
Jack McGlynn
Houston Dynamo FC • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Louis Munteanu
D.C. United • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Talles Magno
New York City FC • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Tomás Avilés
CF Montréal • 22 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
50.9
Idan Toklomati
Charlotte FC • 21 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.3
David Ayala
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
50.2
Owen Wolff
Austin FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Kevin Kelsy
Portland Timbers • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Agustín Ojeda
New York City FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Cade Cowell
New York Red Bulls • 22 years old
€3.3M
€3.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.0M
48.8
Igor Jesus
Los Angeles FC • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.5
Jacen Russell-Rowe
Columbus Crew • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
David Martínez
Los Angeles FC • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
48.3
Lucas Sanabria
Los Angeles Galaxy • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
48.1
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)
Seattle Sounders FC's Obed Vargas at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 20.00×. That means Obed Vargas is valued 20.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Mateo Silvetti, who is 20 years old, with a 15.00× PPVE. Third is David Martínez of Los Angeles FC, who is 20 years old with a 10.00× 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 20.00× means the player is worth 1900% 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 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €400K | 20.00× |
| #2 | Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €400K | 15.00× |
| #3 | David Martínez Los Angeles FC | 20 | U21 | €4.0M | €400K | 10.00× |
| #4 | Diego Luna Real Salt Lake City | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €900K | 8.89× |
| #5 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €900K | 7.78× |
| #6 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €3.0M | €400K | 7.50× |
| #7 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €400K | 6.25× |
| #8 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €400K | 6.25× |
| #9 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €400K | 6.25× |
| #10 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €900K | 5.56× |
| #11 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €900K | 5.56× |
| #12 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 22 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €900K | 5.00× |
| #13 | Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | 19 | U21 | €2.0M | €400K | 5.00× |
| #14 | Louis Munteanu D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €900K | 5.00× |
| #15 | Talles Magno New York City FC | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €900K | 5.00× |
| #16 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €900K | 5.00× |
| #17 | Idan Toklomati Charlotte FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €900K | 5.00× |
| #18 | David Ayala Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €900K | 4.44× |
| #19 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €900K | 4.44× |
| #20 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €900K | 4.44× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
San Diego FC's Duran Ferree at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +52%. That means Duran Ferree is projected to appreciate 52% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Philadelphia Union's Andrew Rick, who is 20 years old, with a +48% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Adam Beaudry of Colorado Rapids, who is 20 years old with a +48% RPP (6 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 52% RPP means the player is expected to gain 52% value as they enter their prime-making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duran Ferree San Diego FC | 19 | 7 | €150K | €310K | +52% |
| #2 | Andrew Rick Philadelphia Union | 20 | 6 | €400K | €769K | +48% |
| #3 | Adam Beaudry Colorado Rapids | 20 | 6 | €200K | €384K | +48% |
| #4 | Harbor Miller Los Angeles Galaxy | 18 | 8 | €350K | €625K | +44% |
| #5 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | 8 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #6 | Ian James Sporting Kansas City | 18 | 8 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #7 | Seymour Reid New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #8 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | 18 | 8 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #9 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #10 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #11 | Pedro Soma San Diego FC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #12 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #13 | Nimfasha Berchimas Charlotte FC | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #14 | Julian Hall New York Red Bulls | 18 | 8 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #15 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #16 | Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #17 | Owen Graham-Roache CF Montréal | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #18 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #19 | Jayden Hibbert Atlanta United FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #20 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | 7 | €175K | €291K | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
San Diego FC's Duran Ferree has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 154.3. That means Duran Ferree has 40% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Philadelphia Union's Andrew Rick with a 118.5 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Adam Beaudry of Colorado Rapids with a 118.5 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 154.3 means the upside is 154.3× greater than the uncertainty-making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duran Ferree San Diego FC | €209K | €190K-229K | +40% | 154.3 |
| #2 | Andrew Rick Philadelphia Union | €512K | €464K-559K | +28% | 118.5 |
| #3 | Adam Beaudry Colorado Rapids | €256K | €232K-279K | +28% | 118.5 |
| #4 | Jayden Hibbert Atlanta United FC | €617K | €561K-674K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #5 | Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | €2.1M | €2.0M-2.3M | +19% | 100.1 |
| #6 | Chris Brady Chicago Fire FC | €3.0M | €2.7M-3.2M | +19% | 100.1 |
| #7 | Blake Gillingham Houston Dynamo FC | €172K | €158K-186K | +15% | 79.9 |
| #8 | Javier Otero Orlando City SC | €172K | €158K-186K | +15% | 79.9 |
| #9 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Julian Hall New York Red Bulls | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Nimfasha Berchimas Charlotte FC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Owen Graham-Roache CF Montréal | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #16 | Ian James Sporting Kansas City | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #17 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #18 | Seymour Reid New York City FC | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #19 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #20 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: young player position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
FC Cincinnati's Gilberto Flores in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +7.6%. That means Diego Luna captures 80.4% of total market value while representing only 72.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is New York Red Bulls's Omar Valencia with a +7.6% ASC (80.4% value share vs 72.8% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Markus Cimermancic of Toronto FC with a +7.6% ASC (80.4% value vs 72.8% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +7.6% ASC means the player captures 7.6% more market value than their numerical representation-indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #2 | Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #3 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #4 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #5 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #6 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #7 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #8 | Mauricio González Minnesota United FC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #9 | Tiago Orlando City SC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #10 | Shak Mohammed Nashville SC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #11 | Ariath Piol Real Salt Lake City | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #12 | Giuseppe Bovalina Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #13 | Markus Anderson Philadelphia Union | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #14 | Kimani Stewart-Baynes Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #15 | Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Seattle Sounders FC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #16 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #17 | Mohammed Sofo New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #18 | Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #19 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
| #20 | Jacob Murrell D.C. United | 21-23 | 80.4% | 72.8% | +7.6% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use:"Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets."Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months."Peak" = pay premium for proven performers."Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 39 immediate targets, 156 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
No players in this category
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €700K. 0 undervalued, 20 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | €6.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | €5.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | €5.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Shak Mohammed Nashville SC | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Blake Gillingham Houston Dynamo FC | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Javier Otero Orlando City SC | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Justin Reynolds Sporting Kansas City | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Marcos Zambrano Real Salt Lake City | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ascel Essengue Los Angeles Galaxy | €150K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | €175K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Thomas Williams Nashville SC | €175K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Giuseppe Bovalina Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Markus Anderson Philadelphia Union | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kimani Stewart-Baynes Colorado Rapids | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Malachi Jones New York City FC | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Gage Guerra Portland Timbers | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | €200K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |