Heyman writes that Desmond is "quietly calling it a career" after opting out of the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to concerns over COVID-19. The Rockies declined his $15 million option last November and he apparently will be stepping away from the game altogether. The 36-year-old was an elite fantasy contributor last decade and wraps up an 11-year career, which included stints with the Nationals, Rangers and Rockies, with a .263/.315/.427 triple-slash line with 181 homers and 181 stolen bases across 5.944 plate appearances (1,478 games) since 2011.

Desmond will receive a $2 million buyout. He has opted out of the last two seasons and just turned 36 years old in September, so this could potentially be the end of the road on his playing career. The former two-time All-Star posted a combined .252/.313/.429 slash line across his three seasons (2017-2019) with Colorado.

Desmond writes that "my desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball under these circumstances." He adds that he will "continue to train and watch how things unfold," so it sounds like he is leaving the door open to opting back in at some point. The 35-year-old also said that he's "let my teammates know, as well as the coaching staff and front office." Desmond, of course, opted out of the 2020 season, as well. This is the final year of his five-year, $70 million contract, so if he doesn't opt back in Desmond's time with the Rockies is likely over.

Desmond was one of the first players to opt out from playing in the truncated season from the COVID-19 pandemic. The outfielder will battle for a starting spot in the outfield in 2021, and has a good chance of doing so considering his $8 million salary in 2021.