CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati has officially finalized a deal to sign forward Corey Baird.
FCC signed Baird through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026.
The Athletic's Tom Bogert first reported Baird's signing on social media before sources confirmed with with WCPO 9.
Sources: FC Cincinnati finalizing a deal to sign forward Corey Baird.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 6, 2024
Baird, 27, had a career-best season with the Houston Dynamo in 2023 w/ 14g/8a across all comps as HOU won U.S. Open Cup.
Baird former Rookie of the Year winner. Great fit in CIN. https://t.co/pd5xeHO85l pic.twitter.com/jOzAFN0UYy
"We’re excited to bring Corey to Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati's general manager. "He is a player with a versatile skillset and an eye for goal who will be a valuable addition to our attack. He’s a proven winner with great character, and we’d like to welcome him and his family to the club.”
The 27-year-old had a career-best season in 2023 with Houston, which was a Western Conference finalist and U.S. Open Cup champion, with eight goals and six assists. In his career, he's scored 28 goals alongside 25 assists over 161 regular-season matches.
The news of Baird's acquisition cames just days after it was announced striker Brandon Vazquez would be heading to CF Monterrey. FCC finalized a deal "worth up to $8.5 million" to send the 25-year-old to the Mexican club, according to Bogert. FCC confirmed the signing Wednesday, and Vazquez bid Cincinnati farewell.
Baird's addition to the Orange and Blue will place him alongside the likes of Sergio Santos, Arquimides Ordonez and Aaron Boupendza on the team's front lines.
“It’s really exciting to join a club with one of the best fanbases and the best stadiums in the league, and I can’t wait to challenge for trophies this year," Baird said. "My first game of the season was at TQL Stadium last year, and the place was rocking. I’m looking forward to being on the other side of things and have those fans on our side.”
The news of the signing also came just days after FCC bolstered its back line by signing Miles Robinson. Up to this point, Robinson has spent his entire career signed to Atlanta United. He also played center back for the USMNT after making his debut with the National Team in 2019.
FCC's Ian Murphy, Roman Celentano and Robinson were also just called up to the USMNT's training camp in January. The three players from FC Cincinnati are tied with the Columbus Crew for the most-represented club on the 25-man training camp roster.
FC Cincinnati is set to kick off its 2024 regular season on Feb. 25 with a match against Toronto FC.
