San Diego FC Acquires MLS Veteran Corey Baird from FC Cincinnati

San Diego FC has acquired forward Corey Baird from FC Cincinnati in a trade involving $50,000 in guaranteed 2025 General Allocation Money and up to $50,000 in conditional GAM for 2026, with Cincinnati retaining part of Baird's 2025 salary. Baird, a 29-year-old Escondido native, has extensive MLS experience with 201 regular-season appearances, 31 goals, and four USMNT caps, and is expected to bolster San Diego's roster as they lead the Western Conference. This move follows San Diego losing another Escondido forward, Milan Iloski, who signed with Philadelphia Union. FC Cincinnati, aiming for greater roster flexibility, has also been active in the transfer window with signings like Ender Echenique and reported acquisitions of Ayoub Jabbari and Samuel Gidi, while pursuing its second Supporters' Shield title. San Diego's Sporting Director Tyler Heaps emphasized Baird's versatility, work rate, and professionalism as key assets, welcoming him back to his home region. The trade marks Baird's return to Southern California, where he grew up and developed through local clubs and college soccer before his MLS career.