What happens if an MLB player reconsiders and wants to play in 2020 after opting out? Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Report: High-risk MLB players may request to return after opting out

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/15/20

The worsening coronavirus pandemic continues to impact sports competitions throughout the United States, and not just as it concerns return-to-play scenarios and testing protocols. Athletes from MLB, the NHL, NBA, Major League Soccer and National Women's Soccer League opted against playing this summer either because they are high-risk for COVID-19, they live with a high-risk individual, or for other personal reasons.

These decisions led to an obvious question: What happens if somebody changes his or her mind?

With MLB, the situation appears to be unclear and potentially evolving. The Athletic's Jason Stark tweeted that MLB players who aren't high-risk but who opt out cannot return as of July 15. However, that could change either per situation or following continuing talks between the MLB and MLB Players Association.

Current protocols say a player who isn't high-risk can't change his mind if he opts out. So he wouldn't be eligible to play in the season or postseason.

But my understanding is, there have been discussions about whether there are circumstances where they could allow flexibility. https://t.co/4mImMdjfTv
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 15, 2020

Stark added a high-risk player can submit a request to return to his club during the season. That player would then have his fate determined by team doctors and a committee.

One clarification: This is the stance only for players who are not high-risk.

A high-risk player "may request" to return. Team physicians and the joint committee would then decide, depending on the circumstances. https://t.co/E7b937jnoN
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 15, 2020

There are arguments for and against players being allowed to experience changes of heart as circumstances evolve, and as union members see in person what guidelines teams and the league follow to keep personnel as safe as possible under unique circumstances.

On the other hand, team executives and managers could understandably claim they deserve to know who is all-in and who isn't by Opening Day on July 23.

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