MLS rules explained: Making Jonathan Osorio a non-DP not so easy for Toronto FC

In a continuing series at TFC Republic, we'll look at some of Major League Soccer's more arcane roster rules and break them down by using real-life examples so that they are easily understandable.

In this week's edition: We look at what it would take for Toronto FC to free up a Designated Roster spot for the 2024 MLS season.

Toronto FC president Bill Manning revealed in early March that Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio joined Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi on the team's books as a Designated Player at the start of the regular season.

This was basically an accounting maneuver that allowed TFC to make a series of important roster moves last off-season. Nevertheless, it was still an announcement that caught fans by surprise and caused a lot of confusion.

Before we explain how Osorio being a Designated Player helped Toronto FC, it's a good idea to do a quick tutorial on DPs and TAM players.