Ian Desmond Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 3" / 220 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 9/20/1985 (38)
- Experience
- 11
- College
- None
Ian Desmond Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Ian Desmond News
The Colorado Rockies are declining a $15 million option on outfielder Ian Desmond for the 2022 season and will instead buy him out for $2 million. Desmond opted out of the last two seasons due to concerns over COVID-19. Desmond ended up being a big bust for Colorado after signing a five-year, $70 million deal in the winter of 2016. He hit just .274/.326/.375 in his first year in Colorado and did not work out at first base like the Rockies hoped he would. In his three seasons with the Rockies, Desmond slashed .252/.313/.429. It's uncertain if the 36-year-old is interested in continuing his playing career after opting out the last two seasons. The two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner has a .263/.315/.427 career slash line with 181 home runs and 181 stolen bases. He was an intriguing power/speed threat when he landed in Colorado, but it never panned out.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond posted a story on his personal Instagram account, saying: "For now, I've decided to opt out of the 2021 season." The 35-year-old went on to say that his "desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances." He did leave the door open for a return by stating that he was going to continue to train and keep an eye on how "things unfold." Desmond opted out of the 2020 season as well and is in the final year of his contract with Colorado. He put up a .255/.310/.479 slash line with 20 home runs and 65 RBI over 140 games during his last full season back in 2019. It's unclear how long he's willing to wait before potentially opting back in, but if he remains out for the entire season, then this would be a boost to utility man Garrett Hampson's fantasy value.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond announced on his Instagram on Monday night that he will opt out of playing in 2020 because of health risks surrounding COVID-19 and racial issues inside the sport. Desmond said "the COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking." His wife is also pregnant with the couple's fifth child. If he's not a high-risk individual due to any personal medical issues, Desmond will forego a prorated portion of his $15 million salary for this season. Desmond is under contract through 2021 and has a team option in 2022. Sam Hilliard and Raimel Tapia figure to benefit the most in Colorado's outfield with Desmond deciding to sit out this year.