Shocker: Colorado Rapids trade Omir Fernandez to Portland Timbers for $200k in GAM

COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids shook things up ahead of the primary transfer deadline on Friday, as it traded away winger Omir Fernandez to the Portland Timbers for $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money. The Rapids could also receive up to another $50,000 in 2025 GAM if certain performance metrics are met during the remainder of the 2025 season. There is no sell-on clause.

The trade was initially confirmed by Tom Bogert of Givemesport.com, and Burgundy Wave was subsequently able to confirm the news shortly thereafter.

Fernandez, 26, was the first major signing of the Chris Armas era as he arrived in December 2023. At the time, it was seen as a major acquisition as the rules around free agency had recently changed to include younger players with fewer years of service who were eligible for free agency.

Portland will take over Fernandez’s contract, as he had a guarantee for the 2026 season and a club option for 2027. Per the MLS Players’ Association, his guaranteed salary was $636,875.00.

It is worth noting, per MLS’ club profile, as of March 3rd, 2025, the Rapids had approximately $245,208 available in GAM. Just like that, it nearly doubles to nearly half-a-million in GAM if you include the performance metric money.

That being said, the move is a surprise in a lot of ways. Fernandez was a valuable asset and was in the mix of being a regular starter in 2024. He started 19 of 33 games for 1,600-plus minutes, tallying two goals and three assists. Even with an injury bug late in the 2024 season, he was still a solid contributor. This year, he did not receive one start in the eight games but played in every match for Colorado. All told, Fernandez appeared in 50 games for the Burgundy and Blue.

“We are grateful to Omir for his time spent with the club and we wish him nothing but the best in the future,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids president in a team statement.

Omir Fernandez trade is down to a young, hungry depth chart

It is no secret that Colorado has looked to increasingly younger players for contributions. The thought from the Burgundy Wave staff (including EIC Matt Pollard) is no different: This trade, as surprising as it may be, is down to who’s around Fernandez in age and experience.

There were three other players around Fernandez fighting for that position: Calvin Harris, 25, Alex Harris, 22, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, 20, and Teddy Ku-DiPietro, 23. Fernandez had plenty of experience and added a ton to the group, but with competition being so tight for the winger role, the front office possibly could have felt, it had to make a move to free up roster space so the younger guys can step in.

Calvin Harris has proved his value since he came over from FC Cincinnati in 2023. KSB is still only 20 and is on a Generation Adidas Contract. Same with recent SuperDraft pick Alex Harris, who the club is very high on as well. Meanwhile, the T-KDP signing felt seismic because of how productive he was in D.C.

Oh, and there’s the Bryce Jamison signing from USL Championship side Orange County FC as he will arrive next year.

It is a loaded and busy group but the Rapids, at least, got some decent coin out of a free agent signing in Omir Fernandez.

Chris Armas thought he was a starter

For only $200,000, it was a surprise. The floor definitely appeared to be a lot higher, maybe closer to the $350-400k range. It seems low given his versatility, production and attacking prowess.

Even the other week, Rapids head coach Chris Armas called him a starter. Fernandez assisted on the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Charlotte FC on March 29th and praised the winger shortly after.

“Omir is a starter in this league,” Armas told the media that day. “Did he start today? No. It’s competitive, the internal competition that we have. I don’t know which coach has to make these decisions on who’s out and who’s in? That’s me obviously. It’s tricky.

“The best part about what you’ve seen about him is he had an amazing offseason,” Armas continued. “Omir came in the fittest that he’s been. He’s had a good season so far. Competition’s tight. Omir’s making a case for himself. Good performance off the bench. Helps us get the first goal.”

The Deadline is fast approaching. What’s next?

The MLS Primary Transfer Deadline is Wednesday, April 23rd. The Rapids freed up a roster space so that other younger players can fill in that role off the bench. Given that Kévin Cabral is still not as productive as he was expected to be, buying him out at this stage would be a surprise even as it’s becoming increasingly clear a situation has to resolve somehow. Meanwhile, Fernandez was an important conduit between the Spanish and Portuguese speakers on the team as he was tight with Rafael Navarro, so it’s one less communicative piece the Rapids will have moving forward.

All of that being said, if they have what they hold by Wednesday, it will put them in a solid spot ahead of the summer transfer window.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

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