I think we're going to see a lot of this from MLBers who are in their 30s and don't need the money.
In the NFL, it'll start younger but basically it'll be the same. Guys who are young and need the money can't opt out. Some of those who can, will.
Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman opts out of 2020 MLB season - (
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So we'll see, but as mentioned above, Ryan Zimmerman was a pretty unique situation. I thought I read someone in his immediate family was higher risk on top of everything else too.
I do think that of all the sports baseball is the one with the least amount of physical contact. All relative I guess.
pregnant wife, 4 young kids at home (and he's made close to $100M in his career).
Baseball - these guys are working for 37 cents on the dollar this year (all that matters to them is annual comp, not # of games played), so i could see a lot of vet guys that have made north of $50 or 100 mil and dont have the greatest contracts this year sitting it out.
Of course if the NFL only ends up playing half a season and similarly asks for players to take 60%+ paycuts, then sure players will sit out there too... even moreso probably considering all the training and injury risk required to get game-ready.
And Trout's wife is due in August.............
The expanded rosters plus some guys opting out will give a lot more fringe roster guys a chance, which could actually be fun. Some unknown could get hot for a month or two and become an unsung hero.
I know all the usual caveats, it’s like an exhibition season, blah blah blah...but will be great to have baseball back, and see some guys and teams make the most of it