Opting Out of 2021

As vaccinations increase and the rate pf new infections decline, there's a sense that the worst of the pandemic may be behind us. So this weekend's news that Ian Desmond of the Rockies had opted out of the upcoming season came as a bit of a surprise.

No one should ever be questioned for putting family considerations ahead of an athletic career. Now 35, Desmond is giving up the final $8 million of the five-year contract he signed with Colorado in 2017. With the calendar already telling Desmond that his career was winding down, could the tear-down of the Rockies have also influenced his decision? The trade of Nolan Arenado and non-tender of David Dahl may have signaled a new direction for the franchise in which the 11-year veteran no longer factored. It's a little different than what veterans like Brett Gardner or Justin Turner felt when they look less money or fewer years to return to a team with serious post-season aspirations.

 

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