Colorado Rockies veteran outfielder Ian Desmond won’t play baseball for the second consecutive season. After previously opting out in 2020, Desmond announced over the weekend that he’ll do the same in 2021.
Posting a story on Instagram, Desmond wrote that he will stay out “for now” and that he wants to spend time with his family. He will continue with the training and has left the door open for a potential change of heart.
“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,” he added.
Desmond’s opt-out probably means he has played his last game in a Rockies jersey. He is out of contract after this season, and it’s highly unlikely that Colorado will be willing to activate the $15 million option to keep him in 2022.
The 35-year-old veteran joined the Rockies in 2017 on a five-year deal after he had an All-Star campaign with the Texas Rangers. Since landing with Colorado, Desmond has batted .252 while amassing 337 hits, 49 homers, and 193 RBIs.
Desmond also played with the Washington Nationals, who gave him his MLB debut in 2009. A career .263 batter, he has two All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger awards to his name.
