Ian Desmond: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent SS

Ian Desmond rejected his $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Washington Nationals, per MLB.com's William Ladson, and there are a number of potential suitors for the free-agent shortstop, but he is still searching for the right fit.

Continue for updates.

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Padres Backing Off Desmond

Thursday, Jan. 14

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the San Diego Padres have backed off Desmond and are instead talking to Alexei Ramirez about joining the club. 

On Jan. 3, Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported the Padres and Desmond's agent were "having ongoing discussions."

Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune first reported on San Diego's interest in Desmond on Nov. 13. 

"Desmond has draft-pick compensation attached to him after receiving and then turning down the qualifying offer," NBCSports.com's Bill Baer noted. "As a result of finishing with one of the 10 worst records in baseball in 2015, the Padres’ first-round draft pick is protected, so they would give up a second-round pick instead."

After San Diego shortstop Alexi Amarista batted a putrid .204 with a .257 on-base percentage last season, it's not hard to see why the club is looking for an infield upgrade.

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Multiple Teams Interested in Moving Desmond to Outfield

Wednesday, Dec. 9

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported, "Some teams are exploring the possibility of [Desmond] playing the outfield." Crasnick added, "Desmond is the most accomplished [shortstop] on the market. But he's getting interest at [second base], [third base] and the [outfield]" due to his athleticism. 

Desmond spent the first seven years of his career in the nation's capital, but he may be looking for a change of scenery ahead of the 2016 season.

The 30-year-old struggled throughout the 2015 season, batting a career-worst .233 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI, but Desmond's .292 and .280 averages during the 2012 and 2013 campaigns, respectively, highlighted his tremendous offensive capabilities.