Ian Desmond opts out of 2021 “for now”

In an early-morning Instagram post, Desmond explained his decision

Early this morning, Ian Desmond posted on Instagram that he intends to opt out of the 2021 season “for now.”

The decision comes after Desmond’s decision to opt out of playing for the Colorado Rockies in the 2020 season after he expressed a need to be with his family during the pandemic and to address social justice issues. (Read more here.) Both the Rockies front office and his teammates were supportive of that decision, and he was the team’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.

Desmond is on the last year of his five-year contract for $70 million. He was expected to earn $8 million in 2021. The Rockies have a $15 million club option for Desmond for 2022.

He was expected to play off the bench in 2021, giving the Rockies a veteran presence in the outfield as well as a much-needed right-handed bat. He has also played a key leadership role in the clubhouse.

Purple Row will update this story as more details become available.