Just one year after winning the MLS Cup, the Portland Timbers found themselves on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture. From afar, the Timbers watched as the rival Seattle Sounders lifted the league’s top crown just one year after Cascadia’s first title.

Now, in an offseason headlined by rumors linking one of the club’s top players with a move abroad, the Timbers look to rebuild and add pieces to help the club return to the postseason in 2017.

The offseason, though, has been tumultuous. Off-the-field issues for centerback Liam Ridgewell and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson grabbed headlines early. Transfer rumors surrounding Darlington Nagbe have continued to swirl, as one of the faces of the club has been linked with a move abroad. Those rumors have died down a bit in recent weeks, but the Timbers still have plenty to do when it comes to repairing and reloading their own roster.

With that in mind, here’s a look at what the Timbers have done and what’s left to do ahead of preseason.

WHO’S IN

Jeff Attinella, David Guzman

WHO’S OUT

Steven Taylor, Jermaine Taylor, Ned Grabavoy, Jack Jewsbury, Chris Klute, Chris Konopka, Andy Thoma, Nick Besler, Ben Polk, Neco Brett, Wade Hamilton

DRAFT PICKS

Round 1: 10th overall

Round 2: 32nd overall

Round 4: 76th overall, 80th overall

REMAINING NEEDS

The wing remains a focal point, especially if moves are made that include Lucas Melano. During his stint with the Timbers, Melano has never quite lived up to his price tag, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the club move on during the offseason. Former Timber Rodney Wallace is reportedly an option for a team that will almost certainly attract a wide player in the coming months.

Luckily for the Timbers, the central midfield is loaded following the introduction of No. 6 David Guzman. The Costa Rican joins Diego Chara as the Timbers’ defensive options, opening the door for Diego Valeri and Darlington Nagbe to play higher up the field. With the current personnel, which could certainly change if the oft talked about Nagbe is moved, the Timbers could certainly utilize a diamond midfield to ensure the best players get on the field. The formation would free Valeri to work up top with either Chara or Guzman hanging deep and Nagbe as a shuttler.

If that’s the set Caleb Porter opts to roll with, another striker is needed and, even if it isn’t, the Timbers need a forward. Fanendo Adi remains one of the league’s most dangerous strikers, but the Timbers remain a bit soft behind him. Jack McInerney has proven a solid substitute option while Darren Mattocks brings speed from either centrally or out wide, but another center forward should be on the wish list heading towards preseason.

Finally, there’s a need at centerback following the departure of Steven Taylor and uncertainty following last season’s injury to Nat Borchers. With both Borchers and Liam Ridgewell are getting up there in years, the Timbers would do well to bring in a younger centerback to compete from the get-go and, hopefully, anchor the defense for years to come.

OUTLOOK

After narrowly missing the postseason this past season, the Timbers should figure to be back in the mix in 2017. Still, their exact basement and ceiling are contingent on the next few months and what moves are, or aren’t, made.

Celtic’s reported pursuit of Nagbe remains something to watch, even if it’s reportedly dead due to wage issues. If the Timbers can hold on to Nagbe, which it looks like they well, the club’s midfield should be as solid as any in the league. However, if they can find a sizable transfer fee for the U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder, it could certainly go a long way towards plugging positions of need. If Nagbe moves on, the midfield should be deep enough to cope, freeing the team up to find new options on the wing and in the center of defense.

The addition of Guzman is a good start, while the signing Jeff Attinella provides competition for Jake Gleason. It appears, though, that there are still moves to be made for a team that could still use several new pieces. Look for the Timbers to stay active in the new year and push for new signings to help avoid the disappointment of 2016.