Cody Baker is officially headed to the New England Revolution, according to Niko Moreno over at Sounder at Heart, and Sounders fans are left wondering what gives. This isn't just a minor roster shuffle. The details on what the Sounders are getting back in the deal aren't clear yet, but losing Baker definitely raises some questions about our defensive depth.
From Issaquah Kid to MLS Standout, Then What?
Remember that burst of energy in 2023? Our homegrown Issaquah kid signed his contract that year, right after blowing up in the U.S. Open Cup and MLS play during a short-term loan. He wasn't just getting minutes; he was getting *first-team* minutes, almost 900 of 'em, with 10 starts as a 19-year-old. The dude showed off serious versatility, able to play both fullback positions. Then 2024 rolled around, and his playing time dipped a bit, down to around 650 minutes across all competitions, but it still felt like he had a role. But 2025? Only one start and just 117 minutes before he went on loan to the USL Championship's Sacramento Republic. This year, though, things seemed to be picking up. He was close to matching last year's total minutes and looked good in his single start. He put in a full 90 minutes in the Sounders' 1-0 road win against the San Jose Earthquakes and honestly, he would've bagged a goal if Albert Rusnák hadn't been caught offside. You just hate to see a play like that wiped out.Schmetzer's Backline Just Got A Whole Lot Shorter
Even though Cody Baker didn't seem to have a clear, regular spot in Brian Schmetzer's rotation, his departure definitely leaves the Emerald City a bit short-handed, especially at left back. When you look at the depth chart, the guys behind Nouhou are mostly wing backs. I mean, sure, Tino Lopez *could* theoretically slot in there, but that's not exactly his natural position, and he doesn't have much experience playing it. It's a real head-scratcher when you consider how crucial defensive depth is in this league. So, where do the Sounders go from here? This move implies the club might already have plans in the works to bring in another left back. Let's hope so, because the season is rolling, and we can't afford to be thin on the backline. Keep your eyes peeled, Sounders faithful, because something has to give on that left side!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.