MLS rules explained: Why isn't TFC on the hook for Gutiérrez's full salary cap hit?

In a new 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 explain why Toronto FC will only pick up a portion of Cristián Gutiérrez's $267,500 US contract, thus making his selection off waivers a low-risk move for the Reds.

Toronto FC added some defensive depth last week when it picked up left fullback Cristián Gutiérrez off waivers from the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the salary cap implications for TFC, let’s look at how Gutiérrez became available for selection off waivers in the first place.

Who is Cristián Gutiérrez?

A native of Greenfield Park, Quebec, Gutiérrez and his family moved to Chile when he was still a child. He ended up coming up through the ranks at Colo-Colo before making his professional debut for the Chilean club on March 1, 2015.