Desmond, who grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and made his major league debut in 2009, advocated for giving opportunities to youth baseball players from "underprivileged communities."
"Why aren't accessible, affordable youth sports viewed as an essential opportunity to affect kids' development, as opposed to money-making propositions and recruiting chances?" Desmond said. "It's hard to wrap your head around it.''
Now that he's taking the season off, Desmond vowed to make a difference and help Sarasota Youth Baseball get back on track.
"It's what I can do, in the scheme of so much," he said. "So, I am."
The MLB did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Desmond, a two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger, was about to enter his 12th season in the major leagues and his fourth with the Rockies.
He is now the latest MLB star to opt-out of the upcoming abbreviated season, following Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross.
The 60-game 2020 MLB season is expected to begin next month and end in September, while the postseason will end by October.
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