The unveiling of 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR is around the corner, and two Sounders players are among the favorites to make the list with their impactful efforts on the pitch so far this season.
Voted by panelists from MLS staff and MLS Season Pass talent, 22 Under 22 consists of young players who are making their mark in the league. In the lead up to the finalized 2024 list, MLS staff writer Matthew Doyle highlighted both midfielder Obed Vargas and defender Reed Baker-Whiting in his latest article as probable selections.
Doyle categorized Vargas as one of 11 players to be “High-Level Pros Already.” From serving as a vital asset at only 16-year-old in the 2022 CCL finals, to now being a consistent starter for the Sounders two years later, the sky’s the limit for the Alaskan native. Doyle predicts Vargas will land somewhere between 3-5.
The midfielder has started in 25 of the 28 matches he’s participated in this year, tallying two goals and six assists across all competitions for the Rave Green.
Additionally, Doyle placed Baker-Whiting in the “We’re Starting to See it” section, arguing that he should be in contention to start, given his ability to progress the ball forward while also impacting the game on the defensive end. Doyle believes his ballot range is set between 14-18.
Doyle noted that in an FBref scouting report, Baker-Whiting is in the 93rd percentile in progressive carries, 94th percentile in tackles and 99th percentile in blocks among fullbacks in Major League Soccer.
