Exploring Rox's Blackmon, Desmond moves

DENVER -- A couple of expected moves occurred in the Rockies’ universe this week. Right fielder Charlie Blackmon exercised his 2022 player option worth $21 million, and the club paid multi-position player Ian Desmond a $2 million buyout rather than pick up his $15 million club option for 2022.

Let’s take a detailed look at both.

It’s no surprise that Blackmon, who turns 36 next July 1, exercised his option. Blackmon also holds a 2023 player option worth $10 million, with another $8 million available through incentives over the 2018-22 seasons. It’s a lot of money, which he would not receive on the open market.

After experiencing postseason trips in 2017 and 2018, Blackmon, a four-time All-Star, has seen two other All-Star teammates depart – DJ LeMahieu as a free agent to the Yankees after 2018, Nolan Arenado in a trade to the Cardinals -- and Trevor Story, who just entered free agency.

However, Blackmon sees the foundation of a winner, because of the progress younger players made in 2021.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys in the game,” Blackmon said at season’s end. “They got a lot of experience, especially out of the bullpen. A lot of our young players took steps forward on the offensive side, like Brendan Rodgers, Ryan McMahon. We saw those guys go from young players to players who are starting who look like going to play every day and be productive.”

How about Blackmon, himself?

His 2021 was mixed. He didn’t approach past home run totals, and a poor start to ’21 reduced his numbers. Still, he posted a solid .789 OPS in his final 123 games after he climbed above .200.

If the designated hitter rule is instituted in the National League, as expected, Blackmon could potentially have a lighter physical load. He set a career high with 14 assists in '21, but having the DH as an option can lighten his physical load without costing him plate appearances. For games he is the DH, one of the desired acquisitions or one of the players the Rockies have been grooming, such as Sam Hilliard, could play right field. Also, if the Rockies follow through on their desire to add impact hitters, there will be more lineup protection.

Desmond’s buyout closes a strange chapter that began with former general manager Jeff Bridich surprising all observers by reaching a five-year, $70 million agreement with Desmond before the 2017 season.

A shortstop early in his career with the Nationals, Desmond shifted to center field for a season with the Rangers and made the All-Star Game after a strong first half. He struggled in the second, but that wasn’t the only reason the contract created puzzlement.

Desmond agreed to move to first base, a position he had never played. He also shuffled to left field and center field, with the expanse of Coors Field proving especially difficult.

The high dollar amount did not pan out, as Desmond compiled 82 OPS-plus and minus-0.3 WAR (per baseball-reference) in three seasons in a Rockies uniform.

But during his time, the Rockies argued they needed a veteran presence, and group of mostly young players that went to the postseason in ‘17 and ‘18 credit him with guidance, on and off the field. And he knocked 22 home runs in 2018 and 20 in 2019.

Then the last two years, Desmond chose not to play, meaning he forfeited $13,555,556 to remain true to his principles. COVID-19, racial unrest in the country and the dilapidated state of baseball where he grew up -- and learned to dream -- in Sarasota, Fla., led him to set up a non-profit to benefit the children of the area. He also continued his work with the Children’s Tumor Foundation, not only financially, but with his presence even when he was playing.

For all five years of the contract – even though he never suited up for two of them -- the Rockies nominated him for the Roberto Clemente Award for his humanitarian work.

In the baseball world, Desmond is measured by OPS-plus and WAR. On the big, blue marble, he's about much more than stats.