Colorado Rockies: Ian Desmond most valuable by sitting out

When the Colorado Rockies decided to sign Ian Desmond to a five year deal worth $70 million, it seemed to be a questionable move. Desmond did not really fill a need on the roster, especially as Trevor Story had established himself as one of the better young shortstops in the game. When it was announced that Desmond would play first base, the fit became even more questionable.

Unsurprisingly, this contract became a disaster for Colorado. Desmond quickly became a utility player, but was unable to match his previous levels of production. In fact, his most valuable season in terms of WAR occurred in 2020, when he sat out for the year.

Ian Desmond most valuable to Colorado Rockies by not playing

For the second consecutive season, Desmond has opted out, announcing his decision on his Instagram page. As he is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with the Rockies far more likely to pay the $2 million buyout rather than exercise their $15 million option for 2022, his time with the organization is likely at an end.

Desmond’s tenure was quite a disappointment. In his three seasons with the Rockies, he posted a .252/.313/.429 batting line in his 1474 plate appearances, hitting 49 homers and 63 doubles while stealing 38 bases. Although he did manage to have a 20 homer, 20 steal season in 2018, Desmond posted an 82 OPS+ in his three seasons in Colorado.

These disappointing numbers bore themselves out when it came to his bWAR. Over his three years with the Rockies, Desmond was worth -3.2 bWAR, after posting an 18.7 mark in his previous eight years. The Rockies may as well have lit his salary on fire for all the good it would have done.

It is certainly not Desmond’s fault. He was, at best, a curious fit for the Rockies, a player being forced to move to a position where his offensive profile did not fit. It was yet another move in free agency that backfired spectacularly over the past few years.

At least the Colorado Rockies are finally getting some value from Ian Desmond. By staying home, he has been more valuable than when he was on the diamond.