Colorado Rockies remind us that Ian Desmond exists

Remember Ian Desmond? The Colorado Rockies certainly wish they could forget about him.

A misfit of a free agent signing from the beginning, Desmond landed a five year contract worth $70 million as the Rockies strangely attempted to make him their primary first baseman. That experiment failed, with Desmond going back to his utility role before opting out of the past two years.

There was always a slight chance that Desmond would return to the Rockies in 2022. The team did have a $15 million option for the upcoming season. Instead, the Rockies understandably turned that option down, handing him a $2 million check for the buyout.

Colorado Rockies finally rid of Ian Desmond

There was no question that the Rockies would decline that option. Desmond is 36 years old and has not played in two seasons. If there is a market for that type of player, it certainly is not at the $15 million level.

It is not as though Desmond lit the world afire during his time in Colorado. He produced a disappointing .252/.313/.429 batting line in his 1474 plate appearances, hitting 49 homers and 63 doubles while stealing 39 bases. His overall 82 OPS+ is even more disappointing considering that he spent that time in the offensive haven that is Coors Field.

One also has to ask whether or not Desmond even wanted to be in Colorado any longer. He was the only player to opt out of the 2021 season, citing the ongoing pandemic as his reason. If Desmond does attempt to return to the majors for the 2022 season, there are definitely going to be questions about his reasoning when everyone else played.

But that is not the Rockies’ concern any longer. They finally have Desmond off of their books, paying him a severance package to go away permanently. That flawed signing is finally over.

The Colorado Rockies have declined Ian Desmond’s option for the 2022 season. In doing so, they reminded us all that he is still playing.