Rockies’ desmond opts out of 2021 season

announced Sunday he is opting out of the 2021 season. Desmond, 35, also sat out the 2020 campaign with concerns about his family amid the coronavirus pandemic. He also cited the state of the world in terms of racial and economic issues. Desmond’s five-year, US$70 million contract runs through 2021. He was scheduled to make $8 million this season. The Rockies hold a $15 million club option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout. He was an All-star with the Washington

Nationals in 2012 and with the Texas Rangers in 2016. A third-round draft pick of the Montreal Expos in 2004, Desmond broke into the majors with Washington in 2009 and stayed with the Nationals through 2015. In 2019, Desmond hit .255 with a .310 on-base percentage, a .479 slugging percentage, 20 homers and 65 RBIS in 140 games. In 1,478 career games over 11 major league seasons, he has a .263/.315/.427 batting line with 181 homers and 711 RBIS.