It would be easy to forget that Ian Desmond was still considered an “active” player. The former Colorado Rockies utility man/financial drain had opted out of the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to Covid related concerns. Then, the Rockies allowed him to enter free agency, turning down a $15 million option for the 2022 season.
Likewise, it was not a shock that the baseball universe ignored the fact that Desmond was available. As tempting as it may be to sign a 36 year old utility man who had not played since 2019, and had one season where he was an above average bat since the 2015 season, he did not generate an offer.
Colorado Rockies disappointment Ian Desmond retires
Teams will no longer have that option to ignore. Desmond very quietly announced his retirement, something that even the most ardent of baseball fans may have thought happened two years ago. Or, as Rockies fans would say, five years too late.
Desmond had a solid career overall. He was a fantasy league darling for a time, a two time All Star who produced a .263/.315/.427 batting line with 181 homers and 277 doubles while stealing 181 bases. Desmond had four seasons where he hit at least 20 homers and stole at least 20 bases, making him one of the more intriguing all around players in the game.
But that was not the case in Colorado. He was worth a combined -2.5 bWAR, failing to produce a positive mark in any of the three seasons he played with the Rockies. Sadly, Desmond was far more valuable for the Rockies by not playing, as that 0.0 WAR earned by opting out was much better by comparison.
It is unfortunate that his tenure ended on such a disappointing note. Desmond was a solid player who could make an impact in the right situation. The problem was that he was never a good fit for the Rockies, especially when they signed him to play first base.
Ian Desmond may have been a solid player, but he was also one of the Colorado Rockies’ biggest disappointments. He has now quietly headed off into the sunset.