Diamondbacks to honor Nick Ahmed, who will decline NL Championship ring
In a bittersweet moment, the Arizona Diamondbacks are set to honor former player Nick Ahmed as his current team, the San Francisco Giants, visit Chase Field for the first time this year. However, according to reports from Arizona Sports, Ahmed will not be accepting a National League Championship ring from the Diamondbacks, as he has opted to decline the gesture. Currently sidelined with a sprained wrist, Ahmed has recently started a rehab assignment in Sacramento, making him unavailable for the ceremony.
Nick Ahmed spent nearly a decade with the Diamondbacks, joining the team in 2014. Despite his long tenure with the organization, Ahmed never had the opportunity to participate in postseason baseball. In 2017, the only time the Diamondbacks made the playoffs during Ahmed’s tenure, he suffered a wrist injury in August, causing him to miss the postseason. Fast forward to 2023, Ahmed faced a similar fate as he was released by the Diamondbacks in the final month of the season. Following his departure, the Diamondbacks went on a remarkable run to the World Series, highlighting Ahmed’s absence from the roster.
The decision to release Ahmed in 2023 was influenced by his underwhelming performance, as he struggled with a .212 batting average across 72 games. With the emergence of Geraldo Perdomo and the acquisition of Jace Peterson, the Diamondbacks felt Ahmed’s defensive skills at shortstop were no longer essential to the team. Ahmed’s emotional reaction to his release was evident, showcasing his deep connection to the organization.
Since joining the Giants in 2024, Ahmed has maintained a .236 batting average and a .564 OPS, demonstrating his consistent performance on the field. Despite his solid contributions, Ahmed’s absence has been felt in the field, as Giants’ shortstops have collectively committed 10 errors in his absence. In a previous series between the Diamondbacks and the Giants at Oracle Park, the teams split the four-game series, indicating an evenly matched competition.
As the Diamondbacks prepare to honor Nick Ahmed for his contributions to the team, his decision to decline the NL Championship ring serves as a poignant reminder of his journey in baseball. Despite the challenges he has faced, Ahmed’s resilience and dedication to the game continue to inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
