Meet CODY Baker — The Sounders’ Secret Weapon: How #33 Tackles, Trolls Opponents, and Steals Your Fantasy Points!
You know how important it is to have a defender who steps into the lineup and just gets the job done. That’s exactly what you get with C. Baker, the Seattle Sounders FC defender wearing number 33.
Baker’s a homegrown player who’s worked his way up from the academy to the first team, bringing consistency and a cool head to the back line.
You notice his versatility right away. Baker lines up at right back or center back, giving the Sounders flexibility whenever they need it.
After signing a Homegrown Player contract in May 2023, he jumped into the rotation and started games in both MLS and U.S. Open Cup play. His story started with the Sounders Academy and Tacoma Defiance, where he played steady minutes before making the leap to Seattle.
At just 21, Baker keeps building on that foundation. He’s from Issaquah, Washington, and grew up in the Sounders’ system, so he really fits the club’s vision of developing young talent.
You’ll see his name in matchday squads more and more. Every time he steps on the field, he shows why Seattle put their faith in him.
For a young defender, earning that trust already says a lot.
Contents
C. Baker’s Role and Position at Seattle Sounders FC
Cody Baker’s role stands out for his defensive consistency, his adaptability, and his steady growth as a young pro.
With Seattle Sounders FC, he’s shown how a homegrown player can earn real minutes in Major League Soccer.
Jersey Number and On-Field Responsibilities
When you watch Baker, you’ll spot his #33 jersey most often at right-back, though he’s filled in at center-back too. That flexibility gives Seattle options when injuries or tactics force changes.
Defenders have a clear job: protect the back line, win duels, and avoid mistakes. Baker does that with a calm approach, rarely diving in or getting caught out.
He tracks runners, keeps his shape, and covers for teammates who push forward.
He helps in possession, too. You’ll see him play short, safe passes, but he’ll switch the ball across the field when there’s space.
His job isn’t just defense—he overlaps and supports the attack on the right flank when needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain defensive shape
- Track wide attackers
- Support in possession with safe distribution
- Provide overlapping runs when needed
Playing Style and Strengths
Baker’s style is simple and dependable. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks—maybe that’s why coaches trust him, especially when things get tight.
His defensive positioning stands out. He reads plays before they develop and stays one step ahead.
He’s right-footed, which fits his main spot on the right. His athleticism lets him recover quickly if he’s beaten, and he keeps his focus in one-on-one situations.
His strengths? Solid tackling technique, clearing danger under pressure, and staying composed in transition.
He doesn’t back down from physical battles, but he keeps his discipline and avoids reckless fouls.
Stat Snapshot (MLS & Tacoma Defiance):
| Season | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Seattle Sounders | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Seattle Sounders | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Tacoma Defiance | 17 | 15 | 1 | 2 |
Contribution as a Homegrown Defender
Baker’s story really shows the value of Seattle’s youth pipeline. After three years in the Sounders Academy, he signed with Tacoma Defiance, then got his first-team contract in 2023 as a homegrown defender.
That path proves the club invests in local talent and rewards steady development.
When you’re a homegrown player, you carry extra weight—not just fighting for minutes, but setting an example for younger academy kids. Baker’s steady rise makes that pathway clear.
He might not always show up in the highlight reels, but his presence matters. He gives Seattle depth at several defensive spots, which is huge for a team juggling MLS, Open Cup, and Leagues Cup.
Since he’s from Issaquah and stayed with the Sounders system, Baker’s connection to the club runs deep.
That local tie really strengthens the bond between the team and its community.
Career Path and Development
Cody Baker’s rise really reflects steady growth through the Seattle Sounders system, from youth training all the way to professional play.
You can see how early training, competitive minutes in the USL Championship, and a homegrown contract shaped him into a defender the MLS team trusts.
Early Years and Sounders FC Academy
Baker started in Issaquah, Washington, joining the Sounders Discovery Program in 2015. That gave him access to solid training and tougher competition.
By the time he entered the Sounders FC Academy, he already had a foundation of discipline and technical skill.
The Academy focused on tactical awareness, ball control, and defensive positioning.
Players in this system juggle tough schedules, balancing school and soccer. Baker managed both, later attending the University of Washington before going all-in on the pro path.
His Academy years really prepared him for the physical and mental demands of pro soccer.
You can see that in his consistency and his ability to adapt across the back line.
Progression Through Tacoma Defiance
In July 2021, Baker signed with Tacoma Defiance and stepped into the USL Championship at just 17. Facing experienced pros there gave him tests you just don’t get in youth matches.
He made 40 appearances with Tacoma between 2021 and 2023, starting 25 times and scoring once.
Those minutes sharpened his decision making and gave him confidence under pressure.
| Years | Club | Appearances | Starts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2023 | Tacoma Defiance | 40 | 25 | 1 |
Tacoma Defiance really bridged the gap between the Academy and the Sounders First Team. You saw him develop into a reliable right back and center back, showing off his versatility.
Training with senior players also gave him a sense of the speed and physicality needed at the MLS level.
Transition to First Team Contract
Seattle signed Baker to a four-year First Team contract in May 2023, with options for 2027 and 2028. He became the 22nd Homegrown Player in club history, which says a lot about how much time they’d invested in him.
Before that deal, he’d already played in four matches for the Sounders through short-term agreements. Those included both Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games and MLS matches against Sporting Kansas City and Houston Dynamo.
That First Team contract gave him stability and a real spot in the squad. He joined a group of young homegrown talents like Josh Atencio and Obed Vargas, which just shows Seattle’s commitment to building from within.
For Baker, the contract wasn’t just a reward—it was a new challenge. He now competes daily for minutes, faces off with seasoned MLS attackers, and keeps growing inside Seattle’s system.
You see him as a dependable option who can step in at multiple defensive spots, and honestly, his best years are still to come.
Key Matches and Notable Performances
Cody Baker, a defender out of the Seattle Sounders Academy who signed a Homegrown Player deal in 2023, has built his early career on steady contributions in multiple competitions.
You notice his growth most clearly in league play, cup games, and tournament appearances against tough regional opponents.
MLS Debut and Regular Season Highlights
Baker first made his mark in Major League Soccer during the 2023 season. The Sounders needed depth, and he stepped into the back line with surprising composure for his age.
He played mainly as a right back and handled the pressure against veteran attackers.
In games against Houston Dynamo FC and Sporting Kansas City, Baker’s defensive positioning really stood out. He limited space on the flank and forced opponents into less dangerous areas.
His game reading and discipline gave the Sounders reliable minutes during a packed schedule.
By 2025, Baker had put together consistent appearances, including starts against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place, where he dealt with aerial challenges. The coaching staff trusted him in one-on-one situations, so he kept a spot in the rotation.
Regular Season Stats (MLS)
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes | Assists | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 6 | 540 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 12 | 1,050 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025* | 10 | 8 | 720 | 0 | 0 |
*2025 stats through midseason
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Appearances
Baker picked up valuable experience in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup too. In 2023, he started both matches for Seattle and looked comfortable in knockout games.
You could see his comfort on the ball, especially when the Sounders built from the back under pressure.
Against lower-division teams, Baker provided width and supported the attack with overlapping runs. His defensive work rate let the midfield push higher, knowing he’d recover fast if possession was lost.
Seattle didn’t make a deep run that year, but Baker’s role in those matches gave him confidence and minutes against a variety of opponents.
For a young defender, the Open Cup was a solid test of consistency in a short tournament.
Leagues Cup Participation
The Leagues Cup gave Baker another stage, with Seattle facing tough Liga MX clubs. In 2023, he played in the group stage match against Monterrey, where he dealt with quick wingers who really challenged his range.
You saw him focus on timing his tackles and staying compact with the back line. Even when Seattle struggled to hold the ball, Baker’s discipline kept the game competitive.
His ability to adjust to a faster tempo stood out.
By 2025, Baker still played a role in Leagues Cup matches, including possible games against Austin FC. His presence in these games showed the coaching staff trusted him.
For a player who came up through the academy, getting tournament minutes like these really shows his steady rise in Seattle’s defense.
If you want more details on Baker’s career, check out his Seattle Sounders profile and his MLS player page.
Contract Details and Club Integration
Cody Baker’s journey from academy kid to senior roster regular says a lot about how Seattle brings up its own talent. Patience, structure, and a bit of faith—those are the main ingredients for how the club develops players like him.
His contract length, his role in the squad, and the leadership behind him all factor into how you might see his future with the Sounders.
Four-Year Contract and Options
Back in May 2023, Baker put pen to paper on a four-year Homegrown Player contract with Seattle Sounders FC. That keeps him around through 2026.
Seattle also added club options for 2027 and 2028. That way, if Baker keeps progressing, they can keep him longer without any fuss.
This setup really protects both sides. The club commits to a young defender for real years, but they also keep control over his rights during what could be his best seasons.
When he signed, Baker was only 19. But Seattle already trusted him to step into MLS matches. That says a lot about their belief in his ability to handle the league’s physical and tactical challenges.
Contract Snapshot
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 years (2023–2026) |
| Options | 2027, 2028 |
| Position | Defender (#33) |
| Hometown | Issaquah, WA |
| College | Did not attend, signed directly from academy |
Integration With First Team Squad
Before locking in his contract, Baker played in several matches on short-term deals. That gave everyone a real look at how he fit into the team’s system.
By the time he signed permanently, he had already seen the field in MLS regular season matches and the U.S. Open Cup.
The club eased him in. He trained with the senior squad at Lumen Field and got competitive minutes with Tacoma Defiance.
That balance helped him build confidence without too much pressure.
Seattle’s roster already featured a handful of Homegrown Players, like Jordan Morris and Obed Vargas. Bringing in Baker made that pipeline even stronger.
He gives the club another solid option in defense. You can bet his minutes will keep growing as the team juggles league and cup games throughout the year.
Influence of Club Leadership
Craig Waibel, the club’s General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, pushed hard for Baker’s signing. He talked about Baker’s growth and pointed out that this move was years in the making.
Head coach Brian Schmetzer also weighed in. He praised Baker’s ability to compete at the MLS level and highlighted his versatility at both right back and center back.
When leadership shows this much confidence, it matters. If Waibel and Schmetzer agree on a player, it usually means they’re thinking long-term.
Baker’s arrival as the 22nd Homegrown Player in club history shows the Sounders still value building from within, even while they chase trophies at the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field.
Teammates and Homegrown Cohort
Baker’s value comes into focus when you look at the players around him. His story fits right into a system that’s churned out more than a few reliable pros.
Notable Homegrown Players
Seattle’s academy keeps the pipeline flowing, and Baker is just the latest example. You can see his path alongside guys like Jordan Morris (Stanford), who made it all the way to the U.S. national team.
There’s also Danny Leyva (no college), who broke into the first team as a teenager.
Reed Baker-Whiting and Obed Vargas (both no college so far) are carving out roles in midfield. Both have logged league minutes and tournament appearances. That shows the club trusts young players in big spots.
Josh Atencio (no college) has turned into a versatile midfielder, often getting starts in MLS games.
Ethan Dobbelaere (no college) and Dylan Teves (University of Washington) add depth in attack, while Sota Kitahara (no college) and goalkeeper Jacob Castro (University of Washington) round out the group.
| Player | Position | College | MLS Debut Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Morris | Forward | Stanford | 2016 |
| Josh Atencio | Midfielder | None | 2020 |
| Danny Leyva | Midfielder | None | 2019 |
| Obed Vargas | Midfielder | None | 2021 |
| Dylan Teves | Forward | Washington | 2022 |
| Jacob Castro | Goalkeeper | Washington | 2023 |
This mix of players paints a clearer picture of where Baker fits in the homegrown setup.
Collaborations and On-Field Partnerships
Watch Baker for a bit and you’ll notice how his partnerships influence his play. When he lines up next to Josh Atencio in preseason, Atencio’s range helps cover space and lets Baker step into tackles with more confidence.
With Obed Vargas and Danny Leyva in midfield, Baker knows he’s got teammates who can drop deep and help out defensively. When Vargas tracks back, Baker can hold his line without worrying too much.
On the right, Reed Baker-Whiting sometimes pushes up. That gives Baker a comfortable outlet when he’s building from the back.
Even in training, guys like Ethan Dobbelaere and Dylan Teves challenge Baker with direct runs. That keeps him sharp and forces him to stay alert in one-on-one situations.
Jordan Morris—the veteran homegrown—adds another layer. Watching how Morris leads and communicates helps Baker and the younger guys adjust to life with the first team.
Achievements and Future Prospects
Cody Baker has grown into a steady defender for Seattle Sounders FC. He’s shown consistency in MLS and picked up valuable minutes with Tacoma Defiance.
His early career already includes contributions in some big competitions. That development hints at a bigger role for him in Seattle’s back line.
Team Success and Championships
You can see Baker’s progress by looking at how Seattle trusts him in real matches. In 2023, he started both Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games and played in the Leagues Cup against Monterrey.
Those games gave him a taste of knockout pressure.
Seattle always pushes for trophies, so every roster spot counts. Baker has become part of a squad that’s constantly in the playoff mix and fighting at the top of the Western Conference.
He hasn’t lifted a trophy with the senior team yet, but his involvement in these competitions shows the coaching staff believes he can step up when it matters.
Here’s a quick look at his pro match record:
| Year | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tacoma Defiance | 18 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Tacoma Defiance | 17 | 15 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | Seattle Sounders | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Seattle Sounders | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
These appearances show that Baker keeps growing, and Seattle keeps trusting him with more minutes as he adapts to MLS.
Potential and Career Trajectory
Baker grew up in Issaquah, Washington, and came up through the Sounders Academy. He signed a four-year Homegrown Player contract in 2023.
He’s just 21, but he already has MLS starts and regular minutes with Tacoma Defiance. That’s a solid foundation for what’s ahead.
You see a defender who can play both center-back and right-back, which gives Seattle some real flexibility. Since his academy days, he’s shown a knack for reading the game and winning tackles—skills that still stand out at the MLS level.
Seattle takes a patient approach with young players, and Baker keeps getting better. If he sharpens his positioning and decision-making, he could absolutely lock down a spot in the starting lineup.
He hasn’t cracked the U.S. national team yet, but honestly, he’s got time and the versatility to make a case. Right now, though, it’s all about carving out a bigger role with Seattle, where competition for minutes feels intense but the opportunities are there.
