The re-entry draft is a two-stage process. Stage one will take place on Friday, December 16th. The second stage will be held on Thursday, December 22.
The re-entry draft is similar to the waiver draft, as each team will get the opportunity to select players that are either out of contract or had their options declined.
Compared to the waiver draft, the re-entry draft involves players who are at least 23-years-old and have a minimum of three MLS service years who had their options declined. Players who are at least 25 and with a minimum of four MLS services years who are out of contract are also eligible.
The players available are older and have more service time than the waiver players but are too young to be considered an MLS free agent.
Stage one allows teams to select players at the same rate they were getting paid in the previous year. The second stage allows teams to renegotiate new contracts with the players.
Toronto FC has utilised the re-entry draft before as a tool to help add veterans to their roster. The Reds selected Robbie Findley in the first stage of the 2014 re-entry draft. They also selected Dwayne De Rosario in the 2013 re-entry draft.
