:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69132449/ATLUTD_20210328_ATLatBHM_JG2_6623.0.jpg)
Atlanta United announced today that it has signed their top 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick, Josh Bauer, to a first team contract and added him to the senior roster.
The 22-year-old defender out of New Hampshire has won a spot on Gabriel Heinze’s inaugural roster and will compete for minutes at the centerback position. While he’s predominantly a centerback, he does have the versatility to play the fullback spot if needed as well.
Bauer’s arrival in Atlanta was a very interesting one as he was projected to be a Top 10 pick in this year’s draft. Instead, he fell all the way to the second round where the Five Stripes welcomed him with open arms. He seems to have shown the talent that had him as one of the top rated defenders by draft evaluators in this camp to win a spot.
Will Bauer join the likes of Julian Gressel and Miles Robinson as draft success stories in Atlanta? He has earned a chance to make it happen in 2021.