Grading Orlando City’s 2022 Contract Extensions

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 21: Rodrigo Schlegel #15 of Orlando City SC enters the field as a goaltender due to the red card to teammate Pedro Gallese #1 during penalty kicks against the New York City FC of Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs at Exploria Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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CB Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando’s 2020 playoff hero is a lot more than just an MLS Heritage moment. The Argentine center back blossomed with an increased role last season, playing almost 1,000 more minutes than his first year. Schlegel is a stat-sheet stuffer, putting up huge numbers of tackles, interceptions and clearances. He’s not great on the ball, but he’s getting better in that area and still only 24.

Schlegel’s new contract will keep him under club control for the next two seasons and adds two option years on the back end. This gives Orlando so much more security moving forward with one of the club’s top center backs. If Schlegel continues to impress and maybe becomes a transfer target from abroad, this contract ensures Orlando will get a transfer fee. Even if that never manifests, it gives Orlando a starting-caliber center back for the next four years. Great bit of business to secure a key player for multiple years.

Grade: A

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