Rockies veteran outfielder Ian Desmond might not return to baseball for the 2021 season.
Desmond, 35, opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Sunday morning, he announced in an Instagram Stories post that “for now” he does not plan to play in 2021, either.
The Rockies confirmed Desmond’s decision.
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“Over the last few months, I’ve had tough conversations. I’ve asked a lot of questions and done a lot of thinking. For now, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2021 season. My desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances. I’m going to continue to train and watch how things unfold.
“This impacts a lot of people, some positively and some negatively, and I own that. At the end of the day, this weighs on me more than anyone but I’m following my heart and I feel good about my decision. I’ve let my teammates know, as well as the coaching staff and front office, and they have all been extremely understanding and supportive. I wish nothing but the best for the entire Rockies organization and have let them know I am willing to do whatever I can to help them from afar.”
Desmond is in the final year of a five-year, $70 million contract. He was owed $8 million this season. The Rockies hold the option on a $15 million payment for 2022, with a $2 million buyout.
Desmond has now walked away from a combined $13.56 million over the past two seasons — the $8 million he was owed this year and the $5.56 million of his prorated $15 million salary from last season.
In three seasons with Colorado, Desmond has batted .252 with a .741 OPS and 49 home runs in 395 games. In seven seasons in Washington, he had a WAR of 16.5. In three seasons in Colorado his WAR was minus-3.2.
When the Rockies signed Desmond in December 2016, the plan was to convert him from a shortstop/outfielder into a first baseman. The plan never worked out and Desmond was likely going to be a fourth outfielder in 2021.
“We are extremely excited about adding another member to the Rockies family,” general manager Jeff Bridich said when Desmond was officially introduced as a member of the Rockies. “A couple of years ago, we started talking about versatility and athleticism becoming a priority for this organization … along with getting veterans of character. Ian represents all of that, and that is the exciting thing.”
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