Inter Miami and Javier Mascherano have made their MLS SuperDraft picks ahead of the new season and fans will be excited by the acquisitions.
The Herons gave up slot 22 of the first round to Los Angeles FC for $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), as well as a natural second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft 2026.
As the 52nd overall pick Inter Miami selected midfielder Bailey Sparks and with the 82nd pick, they went with striker Michael Appiah.
It is no secret that Inter Miami needed some reinforcements following some high-key departures in Diego Gomez who joined Brighton, and Leo Campana whose transfer to the New England Revolution broke a new record.
Getting to know Sparks and Appiah
Inter Miami fans will be desperate to know a little bit more about the team’s new young stars who will be eager to join their new teammates.
Bailey Sparks is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who captained his Southern Methodist University Mustangs in his senior year.
The 6ft midfielder earned several honours in his final season which included being named Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and being a First Team All-ACC honoree.
Michael Appiah is a forward from Florida International University who had a career-best season in 2022 when he bagged 17 goals and seven assists for the Multnomah Lions.
The Ghana-born attacker was named to the 2023 NAIA Honorable Mention All-America team.
Expected key dates for new draft picks
While it is yet to be confirmed when Inter Miami are due back for training many other MLS clubs will be ramping up their practice in January.
This will likely be the same for the Herons who will be under the new watch of manager Javier Mascherano.
The youngsters may get an early chance to impress when the Herons kick off the new year with a friendly against Mexican champions Club America on January 18.
Despite it being a friendly a fierce showdown with rivals Orlando City then awaits the side on February 14th.