We started talking this week about what direction FC Dallas might go this winter. In that discussion, we've begun talking about who might or might not be back. Today FC Dallas provided some info on the players already under a guaranteed contract for 2019.

According to FCD, "Per CBA rules, only players with contracts already guaranteed for the 2019 season are allowed to train." That means players out of contract, or whose options haven't been picked up, will not be participating.

In a tweet, Carter Baum of FC Dallas digital team referred to this list as the "players eligible to train" this week.

21 Players Already Under Contract for 2019

Cristian Colman (Matt Visinsky / 3rd Degree)

1. Pablo Aranguiz

2. Francis Atuahene

3. Dominique Badji

4. Michael Barrios

5. Reggie Cannon

6. Cristian Colman

7. Jesus Ferreira

8. Jesse Gonzalez

9. Carlos Gruezo

10. Matt Hedges

11. Moises Hernandez

12. Jimmy Maurer

13. Santiago Mosquera

14. Marquinhos Pedroso

15. Paxton Pomykal

16. Bryan Reynolds

17. Thomas Roberts

18. Brandon Servania

19. Ema Twumasi

20. Maxi Urruti

21. Reto Ziegler

Who's Missing

It's important to remember that options could still be picked up on players not listed above. Those listed above are only the guaranteed contracts. FC Dallas has until November 26th to exercise options.

FC Dallas midfielder Victor Ulloa (8) holds onto Los Angeles FC forward Shaft Brewer Jr. (28) during the second half as FC Dallas hosted Los Angeles FC at Toyota Stadium in Frisco on Saturday, June 2, 2018 (Stewart F. House/Special Contributor) (Stewart F. House / Special Contributor)

Roland Lamah

Maynor Figueroa

Abel Aguilar

Kyle Zobeck

Jordan Cano

Kris Reaves

Victor Ulloa

Tesho Akindele

Jacori Hayes

Players that perhaps wouldn't be on the practice list

Ryan Hollingshead

Adonijah Reid - on loan

Anibal Chala - on loan

Chris Richards - on loan

Mauro Cichero - Injured status all year, hasn't ever been on FCD's roster

Some Thoughts

Chris Richards (FC Dallas / FC Dallas)

Carlos Avilez - on a "USL" contract

Since we don't see Chris Richards, Anibal Chala, and Adonijah Reid I assume season-long loan players aren't included. Surely Richards has a guaranteed contract if his loan ends without Bayern Munich buying him. And since he's not on this list of "players eligible to train," I think we can assume the other two aren't also for the same reason.

While most of these players on the guarantee list for 2019 are not a surprise, Cristian Colman perhaps is. At least the guarantee part is. It remains to be seen if Colman had a three-plus year guarantee deal, if FCD picked up his option, or if Colman triggered his own option via clause or hitting some target.

Whichever way he got a guarantee for 2019, this means FCD is on the hook for his salary whether he plays or not. He's probably out for most or all of the year with the ACL; hopefully, they can put him on some kind of out for the season IR and clear his contract off the cap.

The presence of Reggie Cannon on the 2019 list is fantastic to see. I was worried he was out of contract. Give the man a raise!!

In fact, the whole back starting four is good to see: Cannon, Matt Hedges, Reto Ziegler, and Marcos Pedroso.

A little surprised Moises Hernandez is on a guaranteed deal too. Perhaps they gave him a 2nd year when he signed midseason to provide him some personal security? Perhaps it was part of his negotiations, a little less money for a 2nd year guaranteed? I assumed he would be year-to-year like Akindele and co.

Three players not on the list whose options I think will not be picked up: Roland Lamah, Maynor Figueroa, and Abel Aguilar. If they have options at all.

Three players that likely to get options picked up by November 26th: Tesho Akindele, Jacori Hayes, Ryan Hollingshead, and Victor Ulloa.

Three players who may be asked to come back in the spring and fight for a spot: Kyle Zobeck, Jordan Cano, and Kris Reaves.

I hope that "guaranteed" in this case means they have a deal in place, not that the contract is actually guaranteed where they would be a cap hit if they are cut. Otherwise, FCD may end up eating so cap space.