Earning approximately $5.2 million in 2024, Herrera was the eighth-highest player in Major League Soccer, but his injuries and limited appearances prevented him from meeting the performance goals necessary to trigger the option year in his contract.

General manager Pat Onstad highlighted the expectations placed on designated players, noting that Herrera's fitness and availability were significant concerns for the club.

Adding to the controversy surrounding his tenure, Herrera's spitting incident at a referee during a crucial playoff match against the Seattle Sounders left a lasting negative impression on fans and the organization.

This incident, which resulted in a red card and ultimately contributed to the Dynamo's elimination from the playoffs, overshadowed his otherwise successful time in MLS.

Shortly after the incident, the Dynamo decided not to renew Herrera's contract, with Onstad confirming that while his actions were a factor, they were not the sole reason for his departure.

Despite expressing a desire to remain with the Dynamo, discussions with his agent revealed that Herrera would not accept a significantly lower salary.

As a result, the future of Herrera remains uncertain, with a potential move to Liga MX appearing more likely than a return to MLS due to his salary demands.

Hector Herrera has been a transformational player for the Houston Dynamo, helping lead the team to the playoffs and securing the Open Cup title after nearly a decade of underperformance.

Initially struggling in Houston, Herrera found his footing in 2023, contributing significantly to the team's turnaround and earning a spot on the league's year-end best XI as a potential MVP candidate.

However, 2024 proved to be a challenging year for Herrera, who managed only one goal and three assists, leading to increased scrutiny regarding his performance as a designated player.