The offseason gives players a chance to recover after a long year, but it is also when the foundation for the next season is built. This time of year lets players reset physically, sharpen up individually, and prepare for another demanding MLS campaign.
Through our Offseason Check-Ins series, we are catching up with D.C. United players around the world to hear how they are approaching the break, from training plans and personal goals to life off the field. Some remain in Leesburg working at the Inova Performance Complex, while others are spending time abroad as they gear up for the 2026 season.
This week, we checked in with defender Lucas Bartlett, who finished his fourth MLS season. Barlett was acquired from St. Louis CITY SC on December 12, 2023 and is going into year three with the Black-and-Red.
The defender brought composure and leadership to D.C. United's backline in his second season with the club. Bartlett made 32 appearances (31 starts) across all competitions, with 151 aerial duels, 44 clearances and one assist. His tenacity and grit have endeared him to the Black-and-Red supporters and are a reflection of his competitive nature as a player.
Bartlett was drafted sixth overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. He spent his first season on loan with MLS Next Pro affiliate, North Texas SC. The following season, he signed with St. Louis CITY SC in their first MLS season as expansion team in 2023. There he appeared in 17 matches (14 starts) playing 1,271 minutes across all competitions in his first season with St. Louis.
The Missouri native made his debut with D.C. United in a 3-1 win over the New England Revolution on February 24, 2024. Bartlett would start 31 of 32 MLS matches, leading the team with 61 clearances. In two seasons with the Black-and-Red, Bartlett has appeared in 67 matches (65 starts), scoring two goals and recording five assists with 319 aerial duels across all competitions.
The defender now goes into year five with clear goals for the season ahead, fueled by his desire to continue growing as a player and leader. Bartlett is determined to have another impactful season with D.C. United while also providing stability and reliability in the backline. He shared how he is using the offseason to recover, stay sharp, and prepare for another big year ahead.
Tell us about your plans for the offseason. What are you doing from a training standpoint and what's going on in your personal life?
“The first couple of weeks were pretty low-key.. I was able to go see my younger sisters' last college game down in Arizona. It was her senior night and she's graduating from Grand Canyon University so it was a blessing to be able to be part of that. I was also able to spend some time in Cabo with my girlfriend, which was a great time to reset mentally. In terms of training, I'm training with a trainer four times a week and getting ready for next year trying to be as fit as I can."
You’ve returned home to Kansas City for the offseason. Tell us about back home and what you’re most looking forward to?
“It's always great being back home with the family. My little brother is back as well, so it's nice to be able to train with him and give him some insight after his first MLS season. The best part is enjoying time with my parents and being able to bring the dog home to play with all the pups."
Offseason is also a time to reset mentally, what are you doing off the field to stay motivated, balanced, and ready to come back stronger for the 2026 campaign?
"Where we finished and where we're supposed to be is a long way away. I want nothing more to bring this club back to where it belongs, and we've said it for two years now since I've been here that playoffs are the goal. It’s the expectation and not making it is not an option. We have to invest, bring in talent, and grow as a team. For me the mental reset is still happening, but I'm really excited about René and this coaching staff. I really liked him and how he managed things at the end of the year. He implemented some things that helped us towards the end of the season, and he is really motivated to win. He is a winner and I'm excited for a full season with him."
With René Weiler as head coach and in his first full season, is there anything different you’re doing this offseason to prepare for the upcoming 2026 MLS season?
"I'm pretty consistent with my offseason and my trainer helps with that. At the beginning of the offseason, we started working out three times a week. Then as it progressed and we come to the end of the offseason, we move to four or five days a week. I'm just really trying to make sure that I can stay healthy and improve for next season. We need to get better."
You have a golden retriever, named Charlie. How’s is she doing and does she like to get involved in any of your offseason training?
"Charlie is loving the offseason. She's always on her own doing her own thing. With my parents having a pool, she just lives there. Her offseason workout consists of jumping in the pool and playing with my parents' dogs so she's in heaven."
You are heading into your fifth MLS season and third with D.C. United. What are you most looking forward to in 2026 and what are some team/personal goals you would like to achieve?
“Being named Defender of the Year and making playoffs are always my goals and have always been. That's where I want to be. That's the standard I want to set and showcase that I can be one of the best players in the league. That's always been the goal and where I strive to be. As I mentioned earlier, last season was not good enough and we need to be better for the fans and for the city of D.C. It starts with me, and we need to strive to be better each and every match."
