Rockies' Ian Desmond opts out of second straight season

2/21/2021 11:02:33 AM EST

Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Ian Desmond announced Sunday morning that 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.

On Sunday, he took to Instagram to share his feelings about his decision to opt out again.

"Over the last few months, I've had tough conversations. I've asked a lot of questions and done a lot of thinking. For now, I've decided to opt out of the 2021 season," Desmond wrote on Instagram. "My desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances. I'm going to continue to train and watch how things unfold."

Desmond's five-year, $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. He played just one year in Texas before signing as a free agent with the Rockies in December 2016.

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.

--Field Level Media

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