Austin FC acquired decorated defender Matt Hedges from Toronto FC on Wednesday.

Toronto receives up to $475,000 in general allocation money in exchange, with $375,000 in 2024 and up to an additional $100,000 in 2025 based on his roster status on Jan. 1, 2024.

Upon completing the trade, Austin signed Hedges to a new contract through the end of the 2024 season with options for 2025 and 2026.

“Austin FC is a growing organization with everything in place to be successful,” Hedges said. “I’m excited to join the team and can’t wait to get started.”

Hedges, 33, appeared in 14 matches (13 starts) for Toronto this season. He spent his previous 11 campaigns with FC Dallas, tallying 18 goals and four assists in 310 appearances (296 starts).

Hedges was the MLS Defender of the Year in 2016, made the MLS Best XI in 2015 and 2016, and earned All-Star honors in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“We’re delighted to welcome Matt and his family to Austin and to Austin FC,” said Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. “He has consistently been one of the league’s best center backs for the last decade, and his talent and experience will be very valuable to the team.”

–Field Level Media