Best U23 Young Players in the MLS
22 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Players in the MLS (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Young Players 2026-27
Our database tracked 22 MLS Young Players in the 2026-27 season, representing 13 clubs with a combined market value of €46.8M. The average market value for MLS Young Players was €2.1M, with the average age at 21.8 years old.
The most valuable young player in the MLS was Paxten Aaronson, worth €8.0M and played for Colorado Rapids at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Players averaged €4.7M in market value, including Mateo Silvetti and Kevin Kelsy.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young player was Gennadiy Synchuk (19 years, CF Montréal, €2.0M), while the oldest was Telasco Segovia (23 years, Inter Miami CF, €3.0M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 22 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 2026-27 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 13 clubs with €46.8M 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 (19 players, 86% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €39.6M, averaging €2.1M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (19 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Players (14% of players) control €17.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 9% of the MLS ALL pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Players
Among 13 MLS clubs, Colorado Rapids leads with 2 Young Players worth €9.5M (averaging €4.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 77% of tracked Young Players.
Colorado Rapids (2 Young Players)
Inter Miami CF (2 Young Players)
Los Angeles FC (3 Young Players)
Portland Timbers (1 Young Players)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.0
Mateo Silvetti
Inter Miami CF • 20 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.7M
51.0
Kevin Kelsy
Portland Timbers • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Andrew Moran
Los Angeles FC • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.8
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Fallou Fall
St. Louis CITY SC • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Nectarios Triantis
Minnesota United FC • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.3
Theo Corbeanu
Toronto FC • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.6
Caden Clark
D.C. United • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.0
Artem Smolyakov
Los Angeles FC • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
35.9
Thomas Gillier
CF Montréal • 21 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
35.8
Gennadiy Synchuk
CF Montréal • 19 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
35.4
Kenji Cabrera
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 23 years old
€1.4M
€1.6M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
35.1
Alexis Manyoma
Colorado Rapids • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Odin Holm
Los Angeles FC • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Willy Kumado
San Diego FC • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Ender Echenique
FC Cincinnati • 22 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
30.9
Alexis Fariña
Minnesota United FC • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.1
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint
Toronto FC • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Alejandro Alvarado
San Diego FC • 22 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €212K
8.6
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)
Colorado Rapids's Paxten Aaronson at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.44×. That means Paxten Aaronson is valued 4.44× higher than the median player in the 21-23 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 2.50× PPVE. Third is Kevin Kelsy of Portland Timbers, who is 21 years old with a 2.22× 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 4.44× means the player is worth 344% 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 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.8M | 4.44× |
| #2 | Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #3 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.8M | 2.22× |
| #4 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.8M | 1.94× |
| #5 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.8M | 1.67× |
| #6 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.8M | 1.67× |
| #7 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.8M | 1.11× |
| #8 | Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | 19 | U21 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Theo Corbeanu Toronto FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.8M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.8M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | 21 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.8M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.8M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.6M | €1.8M | 0.89× |
| #14 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.8M | 0.83× |
| #15 | Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.8M | 0.83× |
| #16 | Ender Echenique FC Cincinnati | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.8M | 0.67× |
| #17 | Willy Kumado San Diego FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.8M | 0.67× |
| #18 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.8M | 0.56× |
| #19 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.8M | 0.28× |
| #20 | Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | 21 | 21-23 | €200K | €1.8M | 0.11× |
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 CF Montréal's Thomas Gillier, who is 21 years old, with a +44% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Gennadiy Synchuk of CF Montréal, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 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 | Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | 21 | 5 | €1.8M | €3.2M | +44% |
| #3 | Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #4 | Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #5 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #6 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #7 | Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #8 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #9 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #10 | Ender Echenique FC Cincinnati | 22 | 4 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #11 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #12 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #13 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 22 | 4 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
| #14 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #16 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #17 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #18 | Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #19 | Willy Kumado San Diego FC | 23 | 3 | €1.2M | €1.5M | +20% |
| #20 | Theo Corbeanu Toronto FC | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
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 CF Montréal's Thomas Gillier with a 103.3 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Gennadiy Synchuk of CF Montréal with a 58.0 RAU (19% 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 | Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | €2.2M | €2.0M-2.4M | +23% | 103.3 |
| #3 | Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | €5.7M | €4.9M-6.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Willy Kumado San Diego FC | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Theo Corbeanu Toronto FC | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €1.1M | €912K-1.3M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #15 | Ender Echenique FC Cincinnati | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €212K | €186K-237K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | €3.7M | €3.1M-4.3M | +6% | 18.4 |
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 weak 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)
CF Montréal's Gennadiy Synchuk in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +1.7%. That means Mateo Silvetti captures 15.3% of total market value while representing only 13.6% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Mateo Silvetti with a +1.7% ASC (15.3% value share vs 13.6% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Duran Ferree of San Diego FC with a +1.7% ASC (15.3% value vs 13.6% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +1.7% ASC means the player captures 1.7% 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 | Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | U21 | 15.3% | 13.6% | +1.7% |
| #2 | Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | U21 | 15.3% | 13.6% | +1.7% |
| #3 | Duran Ferree San Diego FC | U21 | 15.3% | 13.6% | +1.7% |
| #4 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #5 | Theo Corbeanu Toronto FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #6 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #7 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #8 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #9 | Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #10 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #11 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #12 | Ender Echenique FC Cincinnati | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #13 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #14 | Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #15 | Willy Kumado San Diego FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #16 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #17 | Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #18 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #19 | Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
| #20 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21-23 | 84.7% | 86.4% | -1.7% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 19 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 €8.0M. 3 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Juan Mina New York Red Bulls | €200K | €1.8M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €200K | €1.8M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | €500K | €1.8M | -1.63 | Undervalued |
Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €1.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Duran Ferree San Diego FC | €150K | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ender Echenique FC Cincinnati | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Willy Kumado San Diego FC | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | €1.5M | €1.8M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids | €1.5M | €1.8M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €1.6M | €1.8M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Gennadiy Synchuk CF Montréal | €2.0M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mateo Silvetti Inter Miami CF | €5.0M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Theo Corbeanu Toronto FC | €1.8M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Caden Clark D.C. United | €1.8M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €8.0M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Thomas Gillier CF Montréal | €1.8M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | €1.8M | €1.8M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | €2.0M | €1.8M | +0.25 | Fair Value |
Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | €3.0M | €1.8M | +1.50 | Above Market |
Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | €3.0M | €1.8M | +1.50 | Above Market |