Rockies' Desmond opts out for 2nd straight year

Rockies’ Desmond opts out for 2nd straight year

11:06 AM ET

  • ESPN News Services

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond has actually revealed he is deciding out of a 2nd successive baseball period.

“For now, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2021 season,” Desmond created in an Instagram tale. “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.”

He has actually currently bowed out a consolidated $13.56 million over the previous 2 periods; he was owed $8 million this year and also was readied to make $5.56 countless his prorated $15 million income last period. The Rockies have a $15 million choice on Desmond for following period with a $2 million acquistion.

Desmond, 35, struck.255 with 20 homers in 140 video games in 2019.

“I’ve let my teammates know, as well as the coaching staff and the front office, and they have all been extremely understanding and supportive,” Desmond’s blog post read. “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 claimed over the last couple of months he has “had tough conversations. I’ve asked a lot of questions and done a lot of thinking.” That aided him reach his choice to decide out.

No quantity of lobbying by Rockies supervisor Bud Black might convince the 35-year- old Desmond to play this period.

“This was a decision not about money,” said Black, whose team will begin full-squad workouts Tuesday in Arizona. “This was from the heart, and also from the belly. This was difficult. This was painful for him.”

Desmond was much more extensive last year when describing his choice to decide out of the 2020 period. In enhancement to the recurring COVID-19 pandemic, Desmond, that is biracial, stated myriad problems within baseball, consisting of sexism, homophobia and also socioeconomic worries, along with the racial numeration that arised after George Floyd’s fatality while in authorities wardship in Minneapolis triggered demonstrations around the globe.

Desmond’s separation leads the way for a lot more playing time in the outfield for the similarity Garrett Hampson, Yonathan Daza, Sam Hilliard and alsoRaimel Tapia It might additionally potentially open up a place for Bret Boswell, an eighth-round choice in the 2017 amateur draft, or expert Chris Owings.

“Desi and I had great conversations over the years, probably more so about other things besides just the nuts and bolts of baseball,” Black said. “He had an imaginative mind when it involved baseball. But I recognized as soon as possible where Desi was originating from on the individual side, the baseball side and also the life side. He was constantly open and also extremely straightforward. You constantly understood where Desi stood, which is a terrific characteristic.”

Mostly a shortstop to begin his profession, he’s come to be an experienced outfielder and also very first baseman.

“In my mind, I’ll view Desi as a complete player, a consummate professional, a great teammate,” Black claimed. “Did a lot of great things.

“But once again, I believe that in his declaration he’s deciding out for currently. We’ll see exactly how this all transpires moving on.”

The Associated Press added to this record.