San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey informed the team Friday that he does not intend to play during the abbreviated 2020 season. Posey joins a growing list of players that are opting out of the season due to concerns of Covid-19.
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey has opted out of the 2020 season. Posey, a former NL MVP and six-time All-Star, had missed the last few days of workouts as he contemplated his decision.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 10, 2020
Posey’s decision comes from a desire to keep his family safe and healthy. He and his wife have recently adopted identical twins girls, who were born prematurely.
He put out a statement virtually early on Friday.
“The adoption actually became official yesterday afternoon,” Posey said. “My wife, myself, and my older children are overwhelmed with joy to welcome into our family…We feel this is the best decision for these babies and for our family, as well.”
The six-time All-Star joins Mike Leake, Ryan Zimmerman, and David Price, among others to voluntarily sit out this year. Expect more players to join this list. Notably, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler could follow suit. Both are expecting the birth of a child.
The Giants released the following statement about the decision on Twitter:
“The Giants fully support Buster’s decision,” the team said. “Buster will be an integral part of our team and will be sorely missed, but we look forward to having him back in 2021.”
Outlook
Despite the wackiness of a 60-game schedule, the Giants will not enter 2020 with the highest of expectations, making this decision even more justifiable for Posey.
Buster Posey is coming off arguably the worst year of his career. In 114 games, he slashed .257/.320/.368 with seven home runs and 38 RBI. Some speculated that was the result of a season-ending hip surgery in 2018, and many were hoping to see how he would rebound in 2020.
Although he struggled last year, he can still claim very respectable career accolades. Offensively, he has a .302/.370/.456 slash line with 140 home runs and 673 RBI, and he won the batting title in 2012 with a .336 average. He won the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, 2012 NL MVP, four Silver Slugger awards, and one Gold Glove award. On top of that, he has played on three World Series champions and caught three no-hitters.
Posey’s decision to opt out of the season is honorable and justified. The Giants will miss their leader, but now have an opportunity to see give top-prospect Joey Bart more exposure than initially expected.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
