Now with the San Francisco Giants, Nick Ahmed previously played 10 seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he was released by the club on September 9, 2023, just ahead of their incredible run in the postseason which saw them winning the NL pennant. The D-backs eventually lost to the Texas Rangers in the World Series in five games.
Arizona wanted to honor Ahmed with a ring for his efforts in their National League Championship-winning campaign. However, the infielder reportedly did not accept the ring from his former team, according to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro.
Ahmed, who played 78 games for the D-backs last season and 888 total in his career, became the subject of trolling on Instagram as fans couldn't believe why he would turn down the honor:
"love nick ahmed but dude couldn’t hit a beach ball with a tennis racket, why is he so salty," one fan commented.
"He’s salty that they no longer had a roster spot for him. He’s injury prone, can’t hit, yes his glove is stellar but it doesn’t matter if you can stay healthy," another extended support to Dbacks decision to release him.
"Not accepting feels like some cry baby sh*t," another posted.
However, some fans understood why Nick Ahmed denied the ring and expressed their support for him:
"I understand his decision I would be mad too if I got released right before the postseason," one fan said.
"It’s an honourable choice from an honourable man,… never disrespect that," another added.
"Should’ve taken it and sold it!," another quipped.
Nick Ahmed was disappointed after hearing the news of his release
Following his release from the D-backs, Nick Ahmed was upset at the news. He let it known by talking to a reporter soon after, describing the decision as "ripping a Band-Aid off in 10 minutes":
"Disappointed, obviously," Ahmed said. Spent a long time here. Just gave it everything I got. Just going to miss the guys, the team. You know, what happens to other guys, it sucks. You know, you feel for them and you miss them. Just the hard part of our game, you know. Just 10 years and ripping a Band-Aid off in 10 minutes."
When further asked if he had been communicated before the official release, Nick Ahmed denied.
Do you think Nick Ahmed should have accepted the ring? Or do you agree with his decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.