Navarro was rostered on Rapids for a short time in 2024, but never played
Back like he never played.
The Colorado Rapids signed left back Miguel Navarro on loan from top-flight Argentine club Talleres for the 2026 season, the club announced Tuesday. The deal includes a purchase option at the end of 2026, then a club option to extend through 2028 if that purchase option is picked up.
Navarro was technically a Rapid during the offseason ahead of the 2024 campaign after being traded from the Chicago Fire. But after Homegrown left back and crowd favorite Sam Vines surprisingly returned to Commerce City, Colorado loaned Navarro to Talleres ahead of the season while Vines played the majority of left-back minutes.
Navarro had a career year in Argentina, and the Venezuelan international turned into a star for a team that took second place in the Liga Profesional Argentina. Talleres purchased him for upwards of $1 million having never played for the Rapids.
Talleres dropped massively in the standings in 2025, finishing in 24th overall in the league. Navarro’s production dipped a bit, too, going from four goal contributions in 2024 to just one last year. He also found himself in the book more than ever, earning career highs in yellow cards (10) and red cards (3).
Suddenly, he’s back in MLS for another stint. He’s a green card holder, meaning he was able to join the team and start training in Colorado as soon as he signed. Tuesday morning was his first session with the team.
Rapids president Pádraig Smith said Tuesday afternoon that after signing immediate needs of an inverted winger (Dante Sealy) and defensive midfielder (Hamzat Ojediran), the club identified that left back needed more competition. It had followed Navarro during his time in Argentina, and new coach Matt Wells thought he was a good fit for his especially particular game model.
With Navarro, the left back position includes a young, flashy Jackson Travis, and Vines, who has greatly underperformed since 2024. Navarro and Vines should battle for a starting role, though Vines is likely a pencil-in for Sunday night’s regular-season opener at the Seattle Sounders.
Smith told reporters the club isn’t done with bringing players in this window, which ends March 26. He said the club is in active negotiations for a center back and yet another winger.
