Former Twins outfielder Denard Span is retiring from Major League Baseball for reasons of principle.
Span, 36, told MLB Trade Rumors that he’s walking away after sitting out last season and not receiving a contract offer that he felt he was worthy of.
“I’m a man of principles, and when those principles aren’t met, I can’t go along with it,” Span said. “… I honestly recognize that I’m not the player that I was when I was in D.C. or when I was in Minnesota. But, I still know that I have value. I’m not a center fielder or premier player anymore, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help a ballclub win a championship or win games.
“I’m not the $12MM player anymore, but from what I did [in 2018], that doesn’t tell me I’m worth $1MM or worth $1.5MM or worth league minimum. I got an offer for league minimum. It was just unreal.”
Span played 11 seasons in the big leagues, including the first five years with the Twins before playing for the Nationals, Giants, Rays and Mariners. From 2008-2012, the lefty hit .284/.357/.389 with 23 homers, 105 doubles, 36 triples, 90 stolen bases and 230 RBI for the Twins.
Span also told the website that being married and the father of two children under the age of 3 played a significant role in his decision.
“It’s already hard enough to be away from my family, and now they want me to play for less than what I humbly feel I deserve. I’m not saying I’m worth $10MM. I’m saying I’m worth more than what they offered me,” he said.
