Toronto bolster backline with Dallas FC legend Matt Hedges

The off-season of changes continue as the Reds finally made a much anticipated defensive addition.

Toronto has agreed on a two-year deal Target Allocation Money with free agent defender Matt Hedges. The agreement, which runs through 2024, also includes two options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Hedges, 32, the eleventh overall pick by FC Dallas in the 2012 SuperDraft, has carved out a distinguished career in MLS.

Across eleven seasons in Dallas, the Rochester-born defender became the club's all-time appearance leader with 349, an eight-year captain, a 3x all-star, 2x Best XI selection, and the 2016 Defender of the Year.

Matt Hedges has signed a two-year deal in Toronto

Following the departure of left-back Domenico Criscito, Toronto's need for defensive reinforcements intensified.

Toronto is coming off a season where they conceded a club-worst 66 goals in each of their last two seasons. With Hedges, Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley is getting a player the mold of what is needed. In the press release Bradley said:

""Matt is a player with great character who brings valuable MLS experience to our group, He is eager for a new challenge and wants to be a part of what we are building here. We are happy to bring Matt to Toronto FC." "

Considering the disappointment of the Carlos Salcedo move, those are the exact qualities Toronto should be prioritizing. The 5x-capped USMNT defender has more than enough MLS experience with top leadership qualities to boot.

Signing Hedges is a step in the right direction but only just a step.