Ian Desmond’s inconsistent and sometimes disappointing career with the Rockies could be over.
The veteran outfielder, 35, announced on an Instagram Sunday that he does not plan to play baseball during the 2021 season, although he indicated he could change his mind.
“For now, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2021 season,” he wrote. “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.”
Rockies manager Bud Black was not shocked by the news, saying that he’d had numerous conversations with Desmond and sensed that the outfielder was leaning in that direction, because of COVID-19 and Desmond wanting to be with his family.
“I was given a little bit of a heads up by ‘Desi’ through our conversations over the last few weeks,” Black said from Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. where the Rockies have begun spring training. “I didn’t ultimately know how it was going to play out. When this happened, it didn’t come as a total surprise.”
Asked if he tried to convince Desmond to play, Black answered, “Of course I wanted him back. I told him so.”
Desmond signed a five-year, $70 million contract with Colorado prior to the 2017 season, but this marks the second season in a row that he decided not to play. Last summer, before the Rockies opened their summer camp, Desmond announced that he would not play, citing the coronavirus pandemic, social injustice, a desire to spend time with his family and his passion to invest in his hometown of Sarasota, Fla. by reviving youth baseball.
In Sunday’s Instagram post, Desmond wrote: “Over the last few months, I’ve had tough conversations. I’ve asked a lot of questions and done a lot of thinking. …
“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.”
By choosing not to play during last year’s 60-game season, he forfeited his adjusted salary of $5.6 million. Some players, who had specific health-related conditions that could be compromised by COVID-19, were eligible to “opt out” and still receive salary. Desmond did not fall into that category last year, nor will he this year. If he doesn’t play at all in 2021, he will lose his $8 million salary. The Rockies hold an option for 2022 worth $15 million, with a $2 million buyout.
Desmond’s decision opens up a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster and opens the door for a young player to grab a spot in the outfield. Desmond had been projected to be a fourth outfielder and possibly be utilized as a backup first baseman.
Black said there were “a couple of guys” the Rockies are looking at adding to the active roster, adding that the club has multiple options at this point. The Rockies will hold their first full-squad workouts of spring training on Tuesday.
“Chris Owings, Sam Hilliard … whether we decide to give full-time play to (Garrett) Hampson in the outfield,” Black said. “We have some options to work through here in the next 5 1/2 weeks to supplement Desmond.”
Black also indicated that Yonathan Daza, Bret Boswell, Yonathan Daza, and non-roster invitees Connor Joe and Greg Bird could also get more playing time and earn a chance to make the team.
Daza, 25, is out of minor league options so he will have to either make the MLB team or be designated for assignment. He’s earned a reputation as one of the best-fielding outfielders in the organization.
When the Rockies signed Desmond in December 2016, it was the second-biggest free-agent contract in franchise history — the biggest ever for a position player. Left-hander Mike Hampton signed an eight-year, $121 million deal before the 2001 season.
In 2019, Desmond hit .255 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs in 140 games. In three seasons with Colorado, Desmond hit .252 with a .741 OPS and 49 home runs in 395 games, accumulating a minus-3.2 WAR. In seven seasons in Washington, from 2009-15, he had a WAR of 16.5.
Asked to assess Desmond’s time with Colorado, Black said, “More than anything, he brought a great deal of leadership. Desi came to play and he came to win.”
