NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC are finalizing a deal to acquire versatile defender Reed Baker-Whiting from the Seattle Sounders, sources have confirmed to SixOneFive Soccer.
First reported by Sounder At Heart's Niko Moreno, the move will give Nashville needed depth at fullback behind Andy Nájar and Dan Lovitz. Nashville are set to send the Sounders an $800,000 cash transfer package, as reported by The Athletic's Tom Bogert, that will include add-ons if certain incentives are met.
Per sources: Nashville SC is closing on a deal that would send Reed Baker-Whiting to Nashville SC. With depth at Winger/Wingback it makes sense for #Sounders to make this move.
— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) February 15, 2026
I'm sure new Nashville assistant Chris Little was probably a factor in the club's interest in Reed. pic.twitter.com/ucAE5JBI64
Baker-Whiting, 20, is a product of the Seattle Sounders academy. After signing a homegrown contract, Baker-Whiting made his MLS debut in 2021 at just 16 years old, making him the 12th-youngest player to make an MLS appearance. Since his debut, he's played 79 times for the Sounders, logging a goal and three assists. He signed a new contract with the Sounders in September, a U22 Initiative deal through 2028 with an option for 2029.
He's also played with the United States youth national teams through the U23 level, making four appearances at the U20 World Cup in October – alongside Nashville midfielder Matt Corcoran.
Nashville have a high-end pair of fullbacks in Dan Lovitz and Andy Nájar, but both players are in their mid-30s, and with Nashville set for a packed schedule of games in 2026, there's a clear and pressing need for reliable depth. Baker-Whiting is capable of playing at either fullback spot, or even further forward as a midfielder.
As reflected in the $800k transfer fee, he's a high-upside player with four years of professional experience already and the potential to be a long-term starter in MLS.
