Atlanta United re-signs fullback Ronald Hernandez

Atlanta continues securing its reserve players on more team-friendly deals.

Atlanta United announced it has signed fullback Ronald Hernandez to a new deal to keep him at the club for the 2025 season with an option for 2026.

This comes on the heels of Atlanta United agreeing to a similarly re-worked deal with forward Jamal Thiare that was announced yesterday.

Atlanta United President Garth Lagerwey told media in a press conference last month that the team liked these two players, but needed them on deals that better fit the broader puzzle that is MLS roster composition.

“We just want to recalibrate some players compensation to the roles that they play on the team,” Lagerwey said. “And if we can find it in the right market range, then it makes sense and we’re happy to take them back.”

Hernandez earned $450k guaranteed last season, and it stands to reason that cap hit may be cut in half given his role as a rotational fullback on either flank.

Surprisingly, Hernandez played more minutes for Atlanta in 2024 than he had in any of his four years at the club. Due to injuries, Hernandez started or played a significant amount of time in six games during October and November, of which Atlanta United won five with the only loss coming in the team’s final playoff game against Orlando City.

Let’s again revisit what Rob Usry and myself wrote about Hernandez in our “Ins-and-Outs” column:

Rob: The Ronald Hernandez era ends just as confusingly as it began. Why did he go through Aberdeen to get to Atlanta? It’s just a weird situation that never materialized into much production. It’s very hard to see him returning. Chances of leaving: 95%

Joe: Hernandez will be remembered fondly as an Atlanta United player, despite the extreme lack of success during his tenure. Maybe it’s because he was rarely the most egregious player amongst plenty to choose from. But ultimately he profiles as extremely mid. Rarely the worst player and never the best, scored a few nice goals and allowed a few more. Was able to play in several positions without too much of a dropoff. But the only way he’s back is if it’s for less than his current $450k salary. My guess is Atlanta will take their chances on blooding a new squad player with versatility. Chances of leaving: 75%

Safe to say we got this one wrong. But speaking for myself, I always figured it’d simply come down to the money, and Atlanta United are clearly happy with the number. And if that’s the case, it doesn’t hurt to have a great professional, mentor, and person extremely familiar with the club to hang around — so long as they’re providing on-field value as well. Signing Hernandez is one less variable going into next season.