Desmond looking for best opportunity to win World Series
Ian Desmond has a specific goal in mind as he decides where he'll play next season, and it's not just about the money.
"I want to be part of something bigger than myself," Desmond said on MLB Network Radio, according to MLB.com's Andrew Simon. "I want to win a World Series. I want to be able to make an impact on the team I'm on and also I want to learn from the players that I'm around. So I think there's numerous factors that go into it. Ultimately, I think it's going to come down to who the best opportunity to win a World Series is with."
Desmond, 30, received a one-year, $15.8-million qualifying offer from the Washington Nationals, and has until Friday at 5 p.m. ET to either accept or decline, but signs are pointing to him rejecting the offer and heading for free agency.
The shortstop, who turned down a seven-year deal worth $107 million from the Nationals prior to the 2014 season, is in line for a much smaller deal and term after hitting .233/.290/.384 with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs in 2015 - his worst offensive numbers since 2011.