Reader mailbag: How can Thiago Andrade help Toronto FC?

TFC Republic's reader mailbag column is where I answer questions from subscribers about Toronto FC and Canadian soccer in general.

I'll respond to the best queries submitted to me by TFC Republic readers, so feel free to drop me an email at jmo1897@gmail.com. You can also reach out to me via Twitter.

Here we go... 

Should Toronto FC use its 2025 buyout? And if so, who would make the most sense to use it on? And is it better if they use it at the end of the season or before the 2025 season begins, and why?

– T.T.     

I've been asked this several times ever since the end of the regular season, so I think it's a good idea to offer a refresher on the league's buyout policy.

MLS rules allow clubs to buy out one player per year (including a DP) from his contract and get the associated salary cap relief. The buyout can happen either in-season or during the off-season. But if the buyout is conducted in-season, it must happen before the end of the MLS secondary transfer window, which is usually in August.