Deandre Kerr came of age for Toronto FC in 2023

Was there a player on Toronto FC’s roster this year who offered more value for his salary than Deandre Kerr?  

Kerr's modest $90,763 US wage packet paled in comparison to the millions earned by both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Yet, the 20-year-old forward from Ajax, Ont., finished 2023 as TFC's joint top scorer in all competitions alongside the Italians in only his second season as a professional.    

With five goals in 26 appearances (17 starts), Kerr enjoyed somewhat of a breakout year and was a genuine bright spot during the Reds’ dismal season. His combination of speed, effective link-up play and sheer power gave opposing defenders all they could handle, as he firmly established himself as one of the Toronto's most dynamic and important attackers.    

This season represented a big step up for Kerr, who left Syracuse University early to turn pro with the Reds in 2022. He played in more games and logged more minutes in his rookie campaign, but he started in more matches, scored more goals and registered his first career MLS assist in 2023.