Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by MLSsoccer.com

The Houston Dynamo have announced the signing of McKinze Gaines, a 26-year-old winger, from Nashville SC. The Texas native and former U.S. youth international started his professional career with Darmstadt 98 and Germanic giants Hannover 96. Gaines played 55 MLS matches since 2021, when he entered the league.

Gaines also brings national team experience from his time in the USYNT. He scored three goals in his international career.

“McKinze is a dynamic attacker who can stretch the field with his speed and 1v1 ability, " Pat Onstad said regarding the signing. “We are excited to welcome McKinze back to his home state of Texas and look forward to him contributing to our team’s success.”

Gaines will provide depth and options out wide for Ben Olsen, joining the likes of Brad Smith and Aliyu, who have provided a majority of the team’s attack this year. The Dynamo sent Nashville SC $75,000 in 2025 GAM to acquire Gaines.

After spending some time with Austin FC, Gaines was selected first overall in the 2021 Expansion Draft by Charlotte. After two seasons there, Gaines was traded to Nashville in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.

Gaines was a touted prospect in Germany, beginning his youth career with VfL Wolfsburg. In 2017, he was sent to Darmstadt 98 for 100,000 Euros. After a couple of years of playing around different places in Europe, he was signed by Hannover 96 II. He spent a full year with the club before leaving the German club and traveling across the pond to Austin FC in 2021.

Ever since that point, Gaines has spent the rest of his playing days in MLS. The Dynamo now have a decent number of options in the wide areas of the pitch thanks to the recent signings of Blessing and Gaines. Time will tell if these acquisitions end up working for Houston.