With the start of the 2021 MLS season just around the corner, fans are checking back in to catch up on what’s happened to their favorite team and their opponents during the offseason. Who added a talented young player from South America? Who brought in a savvy veteran to provide leadership? Who cut bait on a disappointing prospect? Who’s taking a flyer on a low-risk gamble in the hopes it pays off? While most player acquisition takes into account fit and need as primary considerations, in a salary cap league like MLS, it’s impossible to ignore the role that budget plays in assembling a team.