On Monday night, a trade shocked Major League Soccer! One that could, indirectly involve the future of Union right back Ray Gaddis.

The New York Red Bulls sent their captain and midfield stalwart, Dax McCarty to the Chicago fire for $400,000. This move is one that leaves the Red Bulls with a huge hole to fill, and gives the Fire a good problem, having too many central midfielder. The Fire’s Matt Polster has been a player who now seems to be out of a job in Chicago. Some in the twitter-sphere, could see Polster filling Chicago’s right back spot; others think that would be criminal.

#cf97 Why does everyone think Matt Polster is a RB because Yallop played him out of position a few times? If anything, he was a college CB. — Tony (@tpolcaster) January 17, 2017

So let’s think about this. The Fire now have too many central midfield players, thanks to the New York Red Bulls. Matt Polster a seems to be on the outside looking in at Chicago’s middle of the park, and some think he could fill their right back spot; a position of need. The Union have an experienced right back in Ray Gaddis, and need are looking for a central midfielder. Logic dictates that the two clubs should swap players since they both occupy the other teams position of need. The Union should trade Ray Gaddis for Matt Polster! Here’s how the Union could actually go about doing this.

The straight up trade, Gaddis for Polster would be a steal for the Union. Gaddis’ transfer value is around $450,000, which is $300,000 dollars less than Polster’s value. If the Chicago fire want at least the transfer value for polster, then they will want more than a straight swap. Obviously, the Union can cover Polster’s value by Chicago Gaddis, and $300,000. If Chicago is trying to play hard ball with a valuable piece, the Union will probably increase the allocation money amount; however more money than Gaddis’ worth would be losing money. While this option may seem like the Union are giving up a lot, it’s actually decent.

Polster is a young two year MLS veteran. He is a great passer, dribbler and creator in the middle of the park; strength, aggression, and a never-ending motor are also attributes he possesses. Polster is a good young player, who will cost the Union fractions compared to other targets like Dillon Powers, Mix Diskerud or Christian Higuita. This deal is one that should be done for the sake of both sides.

The Union would send the Fire a right back who is a pacey, agile defense-first player in Gaddis. This is a position that needs an upgrade in Chicago. Gaddis needs a new start to try to regain a starting spot after being usurped by Keegan Rosenberry in Philadelphia; Chicago could and should be that place. The Union would get Polster in return to fill their box-to-box midfielder void left by Vincent Nogueira last summer.

This move would help both eastern confernece teams fill a position they desperately need. If this deal does not get done then both clubs will miss out on a cost-effective opportunity to fill spots of need! Only time will tell what happens!

Be sure to check out Philly Sports Network this weekend for an in depth look at the Union’s 2017 opponents, and also Philly’s newly released preseason schedule! Until then, peace out Union fans.

Why the Union should trade Ray Gaddis for Matt Polster