Full List Of MLB Players Opting Out Of 2020 Season
As summer camps get set to open, players around Major League Baseball are deciding whether they want to play amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the agreement between Major League Baseball and the MLB Player’s Association, players who are designated as high risk can opt out of playing this season and still receive their pay and service time. With COVID-19 cases rising across the South and West, many players are making the individual decision whether health protocols put in place by the league are enough for them to feel comfortable playing.
Players who are not designated as high risk and who opt out for the health reasons of others, such as family members, will not automatically receive their pay and service time, although clubs have mechanisms available to award them both if they choose. Coaches, trainers and other non-player personnel may also opt out of participating this season. Whether they receive their pay will be determined on a club-by-club basis.
Here is the list of players who have opted out of playing this season. This list will be updated as players announce they are opting out.
Angels
Astros
Athletics
Braves: Eric Young (coach), RHP Felix Hernandez, OF Nick Markakis
Brewers
Blue Jays
Cardinals
Cubs
D-backs: RHP Mike Leake
Dodgers: LHP David Price
Giants C Buster Posey
Indians: Brad Mills (coach)
Mariners
Marlins
Mets
Nationals: RHP Joe Ross, 1B Ryan Zimmerman, C Welington Castillo
Orioles
Padres
Phillies
Pirates: RHP Hector Noesi
Rangers
Rays
Reds
Red Sox
Rockies: OF Ian Desmond
Royals
Tigers
Twins: Bill Evers (coach), Bob McClure (coach)
Note: Evers and McClure were sidelined by the Twins after taking their age and pre-existing conditions into consideration, as opposed to opting out themselves. They will both still be paid.
White Sox
Yankees
Free Agents: RHP Tyson Ross