Which players should Sporting KC cut this offseason?

Now that the 2026 MLS season has finished, Sporting KC have some decisions to make with the roster. The Shades of Blue Soccer Show analyzes who should be cut, and who should return for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season.

Looking at the roster at the start of the year, it was clear it was going to be an uphill battle. Sporting KC found themselves in a period of transition as they began a rebuild. Miraculously, that squad avoided the Wooden Spoon on the final day of the season. As unsarcastically fun as that was, it’s clear the rebuild has a long way to go.

So, which players earned their place in the next era of Sporting KC?

These decisions will likely be announced pretty quickly. Let’s take a look at the contract situation:

Out of contract – John Pulskamp, Stephen Afrifa, Justin Reynolds

Options – Shapi Suleymanov, Ryan Schewe, Jansen Miller, Wyatt Meyer, Jayden Reid, Ethan Bartlow

Owner Peter Mallouk is talking a big game about this rebuild. Key signings are expected and there won’t be a place for all the names above.

Of course, it isn’t just the players. There is a question around Manager Raphael Wicky as well.

Who stays, who goes?

Listen to the full episode below to hear all of our thoughts on what Sporting KC should do with the roster this offseason. Plus, we’re talking about the KC Current’s 1-0 win over Angel City in the NWSL Quarterfinal and previewing the match this weekend against Gotham FC.

Find the KC Soccer Journal wherever you get your podcasts. Please subscribe, rate, & review! Feel free to yell at Cody @ThatCodyTho, Thad @TheBackpost, Carrie @crobbie20, and Robert @SpKCLife.

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The 2026 Shades of Blue Soccer Show is officially sponsored by CORE Outdoor Equipment!