Here are the Major League Baseball players who opted out of 2020 season and why
Wednesday is the first day of July, and it’s the month in which Major League Baseball is scheduled to return.
The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic could change those plans, but the Royals are set to begin workouts Friday at Kauffman Stadium and begin games either July 23 or 24.
The other 29 teams will also be opening camps and nearly all are expected to be held at their home stadiums.
Some players, however, have announced they will sit out this season because of the coronavirus.
On Monday, Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks tweeted that he would skip the 2020 season because he has diabetes.
“I look forward to being apart(sic) of winning a World Series in 2021,” Hicks wrote.
Here is who won’t be playing this year:
Cardinals’ Jordan Hicks
Hicks shared a message on Twitter and thanked his St. Louis teammates for their support.
Giants’ Buster Posey
Posey, who was the 2012 MVP and helped the Giants win three World Series titles, told reporters about his decision:
Braves’ Nick Markakis
Markakis said in a video that the positive test of teammate Freddie Freeman was eye-opening and playing in empty stadiums also swayed him:
Dodgers’ David Price
In a Twitter post, Dodgers pitcher David Price wrote: “After considerable thought and discussion with my family and the Dodgers, I have decided it is in the best interest of my health and my family’s health for me not to play this season.” Here is Price’s entire message:
Rockies’ Ian Desmond
On Monday, Desmond announced his intention to sit out, but that was only part of his Instagram message, which touched on racism, homophobia and sexism he has witnessed in baseball and much more:
Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman
With three kids at home, Zimmerman didn’t want to risk their health as he explained in a message that was tweeted:
Nationals’ Joe Ross
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post Ross based his decision on “the personal health and safety of themselves and their loved ones.”
Free agent Tyson Ross
Tyson Ross joined his brother in deciding to sit out the 2020 season, per NBC Sports.
Diamondbacks’ Mike Leake
Leake’s agent Danny Horwitz said in a statement, per USA Today: “During this global pandemic, Mike had many discussions about playing this season. They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondbacks teammates this season and he’s looking forward to 2021.”
Braves’ Felix Hernandez
Hernandez, the former Mariners star, was going to try to win a spot with Atlanta. But he decided not to play because of COVID-19:
White Sox’s Michael Kopech
Chicago released a statement about the pitcher’s decision to not play the 2020 season:
Nationals’ Welington Castillo
He wasn’t a lock to make the Nationals, but Castillo opted out of the season:
Pirates’ Hector Noesi
The right-hander was trying to make the club as a non-roster invitee, but DK Pittsburgh Sports he won’t play for family reasons.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 10:37 AM.
