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Sunday, February 21, 2021

Rockies’ Desmond opts out of 2021 to spend time with family

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond is opting out of the 2021 MLB season to spend time with his family, he announced Sunday on Instagram.

“Over the last few months, I’ve had tough conversations,” Desmond wrote. “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.”

The 35-year-old was one of several players who opted out of the 2020 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a wide range of systemic issues within MLB. He’s now the first player to opt out in 2021.

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: February 21, 2021 at 10:45 AM | 14 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: ian desmond, rockies

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1. JRVJ Posted: February 21, 2021 at 10:52 AM (#6006072)

That just saved the Rockies $8MM, thus making it easier for those Rockies to pay the Cardinals.

2. Rally Posted: February 21, 2021 at 10:55 AM (#6006074)

I am sure the Rockies are fully supportive of this decision. He signed a 5 year contract which will be up at the end of 2021. The 2 seasons he opted out will be his best Rockie seasons, going by WAR.

3. The Duke Posted: February 21, 2021 at 11:09 AM (#6006078)

It’s nice to be rich

4. Starring Bradley Scotchman as RMc Posted: February 21, 2021 at 12:33 PM (#6006084)

Considering Desmond was paid $45MM to produce (reduce?) -3.2 WAR, this may be the best deal in Rockies history.

5. puck Posted: February 21, 2021 at 01:14 PM (#6006092)

The Rockies apparently have not signed any FA's to major league deals. CJ Cron seems like their most significant FA pick up. That he is projected above a league avg OPS+ now gives them 3 players projected to have 100+ OPS+. High SLG low OBP, that seems to be a Rockies thing.

6. puck Posted: February 21, 2021 at 01:15 PM (#6006093)

This means retirement, right? Horrible contract and tenure w/the Rockies, but at least what we know of him seems good. Just remember to call an Uber.

7. Red Menace Posted: February 21, 2021 at 01:34 PM (#6006096)

Can we now officially say Tom Brady is the last player drafted by the Expos still active?

8. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: February 21, 2021 at 02:01 PM (#6006102)

The funny thing is that if he played, there’s a good chance he would have been released a month into the season and collected his whole paycheck.

9. Starring Bradley Scotchman as RMc Posted: February 21, 2021 at 02:22 PM (#6006106)

Can we now officially say Tom Brady is the last player drafted by the Expos still active?

The guy drafted immediately before Brady actually made the majors, and in fact played pro ball for 17 years!

10. Itchy Row Posted: February 21, 2021 at 02:52 PM (#6006112)

For now, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2021 season.

The “for now” makes it sound like he could opt back in. Is he officially out for the year or do the Rockies have to hope he doesn’t decide to start getting paid again?

11. Tom Goes to the Ballpark Posted: February 21, 2021 at 03:33 PM (#6006114)

The “for now” makes it sound like he could opt back in. Is he officially out for the year or do the Rockies have to hope he doesn’t decide to start getting paid again?

I believe players can still opt back in at any time. Markakis did that last year with the Braves.

Desmond doesn’t get paid for spring training anyway. If he just wants to wait until he is vaccinated then he might only give up something like15% his salary.

12. bfan Posted: February 22, 2021 at 07:46 AM (#6006183)

Is "opt out" now the operative word for decline to play? "Under these circumstances" means he believes that the COVID risk is not worth it for him?

Once a player opts out, must a team let him back in, at any time? What if valuable prep time is missing?

13. Ron J Posted: February 22, 2021 at 09:27 AM (#6006193)

#12 There was never any discussion about not taking a player back. I think you'll find that once he opts back in the regular contract is operational.

It might be possible to work in a conditioning stint, but I didn't see any language about this in the covid agreement so I don't think it's on the table.

14. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: February 22, 2021 at 10:45 AM (#6006208)

he “for now” makes it sound like he could opt back in. Is he officially out for the year or do the Rockies have to hope he doesn’t decide to start getting paid again?

I'm guessing one reason he uses those terms in order for the last year of his contract 2022 to remain in force. It is for $15M club option with a $2M buyout. So he uses those words to get that buyout next year.

He is retired. But wants the 2M.

To be honest, he is a sub-replacement level player now, so he is kind of being honorable by turning down his salary this year.

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Sunday, February 21, 2021

Rockies’ Desmond opts out of 2021 to spend time with family

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