Denver, Colorado / 21.02.2021 15:25:02
Ian Desmond, the veteran outfielder for the Colorado Rockies, has decided not to play for the second consecutive MLB season.
Desmond announced on his Instagram account that his “desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back to playing baseball under these circumstances. I’m going to train and see how things develop ”. In his statement he added that “for now” he decides not to participate, leaving the door open for a possible return.
Ian Desmond said on his Instagram account that he will opt out of the 2021 season, but he’s going to train and “watch how things unfold.” This would be his last season with the Rockies on a five-year deal. pic.twitter.com/U2veM0BVRo
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) February 21, 2021
Desmond is in the final year of a five-year, $ 70 million contract he signed in December 2016. His scheduled salary for 2021 is $ 8 million. The Rockies have an option on his contract for $ 15 million in 2022 or they can finish him with $ 2 million.
Desmond added that he has already informed his teammates, the coaching staff and the main office of his decision and mentioned that all the people have been “extremely understanding and understanding.”
“I wish nothing but the best for the entire Rockies organization and I have let them know that I am willing to do everything I can to help them from afar,” Desmond wrote. “Thanks”.
Ian Desmond announces he is opting out of a 2d straight season, at least for now. Was due $8M in I am yr of 5-$70M deal. Has a 2022 club option for $15M or a $2M buyout. #Rockies pic.twitter.com/Qkxst1pN7Z
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 21, 2021
Full-team preseason workouts are scheduled to begin Tuesday in Arizona. The Rockies lost one of the most important pieces of the organization after they traded eight-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado to the St Louis Cardinals in early February.
Desmond is a career .263 hitter with 181 home runs and 711 RBIs in an 11-year career with Washington, Texas and Colorado. He hit .255 with 20 home runs in 140 games for Colorado in 2019.
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