Over the course of 2025, Paul Rothrock worked his way into Seattle Sounders folklore. He forged a genuine connection with the fanbase through visible commitment and offensive production that far exceeded his salary. As one of the lowest-paid players on the roster, Rothrock delivered performances that looked nothing like a minimum-salary contributor, and that disconnect between cost and impact did not go unnoticed.
As recently as a few weeks ago, it appeared increasingly likely that his play would earn him a pay raise at a new team. Clubs such as Nashville SC and the San Jose Earthquakes showed strong interest, recognizing the value he was providing relative to his contract. Given the demand and leverage Rothrock had created for himself, an offseason departure felt very real.
Instead, Rothrock decided to remain in Seattle, a report that landed as something of an early Christmas gift for the Sounders fanbase even if the actual announcement came later than expected. Keeping a player who embodies effort, commitment, and on-field value matters, especially when that player has clearly outperformed expectations.
Jeremiah Oshan
With Rothrock now confirmed for 2026, the question follows: Do the numbers behind his 2025 season support the positive sentiment surrounding his “return,” and does the data back up what supporters felt watching him week after week?
Player Overview
In MLS play during the 2025 season, Rothrock, at 26 years of age, operated primarily as a left winger for the Sounders. He appeared in 36 matches, made 28 starts, and logged 2,308 minutes. Over that stretch, he contributed four goals and six assists, while collecting four yellow cards.
Production vs Salary
Everyone agrees that Rothrock’s raw production in 2025 far outpaced what his salary would normally buy in MLS. On a guaranteed compensation of $104k, Rothrock finished the season with 10 combined goals and assists in league play. This was a level of output surpassed only by Albert Rusnák and Danny Musovski among all Sounders players.
