Rockies' Ian Desmond opts out of 2021 season to spend time with family

The Colorado Rockies will be forced to shake things up in the outfield this coming season. 

Left fielder Ian Desmond announced via Instagram on Sunday that he has decided to opt out of the 2021 campaign to spend time with his family. 

"Over the last few months, I've had tough conversations," Desmond wrote in an Instagram story. "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. 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."

The 35-year-old also opted out of the pandemic-shortened season due to COVID-19 concerns and cited systemic racism issues in Major League Baseball as another reason for deciding not to play. 

Desmond was set to earn $8 million in 2021. The Rockies have a $15 million club option on him for 2022 with a $2 million buyout. 

The two-time All-Star last played in 2019. He slashed .255/.310/.479 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI.