Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond has announced that he will give up a second consecutive baseball season.
“For now, I have decided to give up the 2021 season,” Desmond wrote in an Instagram story. “My desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to return and play baseball in these circumstances. I will continue to train and see how things go.”
It has now moved away from the combined $ 13.56 million in the last two seasons; He was owed $ 8 million this year and was to earn $ 5.56 million from his $ 15 million prorated salary last season. The Rockies have a $ 15 million option on Desmond for next season, with a $ 2 million acquisition.
Desmond, 35, managed .255 with 20 shares in 140 games in 2019.
“I communicated it to my teammates, as well as the coaching staff and the front office, and they were all extremely understanding and supportive,” Desmond’s post read. “I want nothing more than good for the entire Rockies organization and I have told them that I am willing to do everything I can to help them from afar.”
Desmond said in recent months that he “had tough conversations. I asked a lot of questions and thought a lot. ” That helped him make the decision to give up.
He was much more expansive last year when he explained his decision to give up the 2020 season. In addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Desmond, who is biracial, mentioned countless issues in baseball, including sexism, homophobia and socio-economic concerns, as well as the racial account that emerged after George Floyd’s death while in Minneapolis police custody, sparked protests. around the world.