Ian Desmond
LF,CF - - RET
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The Rockies have declined their $15 million club option on veteran outfielder Ian Desmond. Instead, he'll receive a $2 million buyout and become a free agent.
Fantasy Impact
This divorce was widely expected after Desmond, who is now 36 years old, opted out of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Although he posted a respectable .255/.310/.479 slash line with 20 homers in 2019, Desmond's absence over the last two years leads to a plethora of questions that will likely force him to settle for a minor league contract this offseason.
Ian Desmond posted on his personal Instagram account that he's opting out of the 2021 season "for now."
Fantasy Impact
"My desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances," Desmond wrote. He added that he will continue to see how things unfold, so there's certainly a chance he opts back in at some point. The 35-year-old also opted out of the 2020 campaign. He's in the final year of his five-year, $70 million contract with Colorado.
Ian Desmond has opted out of the 2020 MLB season.
Fantasy Impact
Desmond is one of a handful of players to have already opted out of the season, and he won't be the last. Desmond was likely to platoon in left field and at designated hitter this season, and his absence will only further cement Sam Hilliard's status as an everyday player.
Ian Desmond went hitless in three at bats as the Rockies tied the D'Backs 6-6 on Friday.
Fantasy Impact
Desmond is hitting just .118 so far this spring. The Rockies certainly have better options for their lineup but the veteran is making so much money that Colorado continues to play him more than they should.
Ian Desmond went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer as the Rockies beat the Giants in 16 innings on Tuesday.
Fantasy Impact
Desmond's homer was a game-tying shot off Madison Bumgarner way back in the fourth inning. He was eventually pinch-hit for and didn't have to play all 16 innings. The 34-year-old now has 19 homers and a .778 OPS this season. He's no longer a dynamic fantasy asset since he also has just three steals.
