Portland Timbers make a bold free agency move to boost their offensive firepower | OneFootball

The Portland Timbers just announced the signing of Ariel Lassiter as a free agent in a move that aims at fortifying an attack already considered one of the most productive in the MLS. The 30-year-old Costa Rican, joining on a contract through 2026 with an option to extend through 2027, comes in a transfer window whose impact has not yet been palpably felt by Timbers. But does this simply deepen the roster, or can this be the kind of addition that may actually change things?

MLS experience: Lassiter comes to the Rose City with good experience in MLS. Having spent nearly a decade in the league, he has played for six different clubs in LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo FC, Inter Miami CF, CF Montréal, and most recently, Chicago Fire FC, netting 12 goals and 15 assists in 149 regular-season games.

The number across those categories, while good, is not especially spectacular, especially for an attacker; it's less notable in theory because those are the numbers of the standard high rotational piece. That's what makes Lassiter additive-a jack-of-all-trades type used to flesh out a roster and provide options tactically. Timbers GM Ned Grabavoy echoed that same thought with regards to flexibility in post-signing comments: "His experience in both MLS and at the international level will bring value to our group, providing us with another solid option within our attack."

Ariel Lassiter at international level

In addition to his time in MLS, Lassiter will also bring an international résumé with him, featuring for Costa Rica, with 28 appearances and a pair of goals to his name, including the 2024 Copa América. However, the impact he will have upon the Portland Timbers depends less on his international accomplishments and more on how well he is able to fit into an attacking scheme that already includes stars in Evander, Jonathan Rodríguez, Felipe Mora, and Santiago Moreno.

A reference in MLS offense, the Portland Timbers finished 2024 as the league's fourth-best attack, scoring a robust 65 goals-an offense that combines creativity, explosiveness, and efficiency, led by MLS MVP finalist Evander.

Here, though, his arrival does pose one exciting question whether Lassiter becomes a complement or manages to grab more centre-stage into the attack. With these quality options on this squad, it isn't far off to know he could find some staunch competition playing out there; but on main squad rotations in the knockouts, it will definitely count with the experience of players who deserve mentions and probably play those situations that bring big reward in this relatively low-risk bet

At the very least, signing Lassiter as a free agent is a smart move by the Portland Timbers. With an already solid attack, the club didn't need a big name but rather a player who could add depth and versatility to the roster. Lassiter seems to fit that profile to a tee.

If he utilizes all of his chances that come along his way, be it starting or off the bench, then he may add up to a lot more than what numbers say.