Arizona Diamondbacks righty Mike Leake made MLB history becoming the first known MLB player to opt-out of the 2020 season Monday.
According to ESPN, the 32-year-old was scheduled to make $16 million the coming shortened season then become a free-agent thereafter.
While Leake did not cite specific reasoning for the opt-out one could assume it is for coronavirus safety concerns as already two D-Backs players tested positive for the deadly virus.
Similar to Leake, two Washington Nationals players have decided to not participate in the 60-game 2020-21 season either.
First-baseman Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross have elected to sit out the season citing COVID-19 concerns as well.
Both Zimmerman and Ross were both key pieces in the Nationals first World Series championship a season ago.
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