Career Salary Game: Ian Desmond

Ian Desmond has opted out of a second straight season, at least for now, which may signal the end of his career. So if he never suits up again, how much has he made?

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond was one of several players to opt out of the 2020 season. More opt outs are surely coming as the 2021 season approaches, and according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Desmond has opted out again.

“For now, I've decided to opt out of the 2021 season," Desmond wrote in an Instagram story. "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."

As ESPN cited, Desmond is now set to forego $13.56 million in salary-$8 million for this year and a prorated $5.56 million of last year’s $15 million salary. The Rockies have a $15 million option on him for 2022, with a $2 million buyout. So if he follows through and misses two seasons, a decision to pay the buyout will be easy for the Rockies.

And Desmond, who will turn 36 in September, could realistically never play again.

Bob Nightengale @BNightengale

This is the final year of Ian Desmond's 5-year, $70 million contract, so he might have played his final game with the #Rockies. He's scheduled to earn $8 million this year with a $15 million club option or $2 million buyout in 2022.

So if Desmond indeed doesn’t suit up again, how much has he made his career?

Desmond currently has $76.484 million in career earnings. The $2 million buyout for next year would of course bump that up slightly. Without getting into all the fine details here, this is a good dive into how Desmond cost himself nearly $29 million earlier in his career.

Do you have an idea for a “Career Salary” post? Leave a comment below, or hit me up on Twitter @bradberreman24.