This award is given by the readers of Sounder at Heart to the player under the age of 23 who had the best year in 2016. Members of the Seattle Sounders first team, S2, the Academy, and Academy alums still within the organization (potential HGPs and/or Sounders U23 players) are eligible. Staff has reduced the list of potential winners to 11, with former winner Cristian Roldan up to repeat this recognition.
Previous winners of the Sounder at Heart Young Player of the Year award are Roldan, DeAndre Yedlin (twice), Andy Rose, Servando Carrasco, Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero.