A-Rod Sets Retirement Date

New York Yankees designated-hitter Alex Rodriguez is one of the oldest players in the majors and he may be starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yesterday, Rodriguez revealed to ESPN's Andrew Marchand that 2017 will likely be his last season. That year is also the same year his massive contract expires.

"I won't play after next year," Rodriguez said. "I've really enjoyed my time. For me, it is time for me to go home and be Dad."

Rodriguez is 13 home runs away from 700 and could have a chance of eclipsing Barry Bonds next season.

"It's been a lot of fun," Rodriguez said. "It has been very challenging at times, but it has been an incredible learning experience. I would say that the two years that I've probably enjoyed the most were my first when I was 19 and won the batting title with [Ken] Griffey and last year. The contrast of those two, at 40 and 18 or 19. It is hard to believe."

Rodriguez was the first player to be suspended under the MLB's new anti-drug policy and served a full season's suspension.

"I'm still at first base; I have a lot of work to do," Rodriguez said. "I think MLB, [commissioner] Rob [Manfred], [COO] Tony Petitti and [MLB chief communications officer] Pat Courtney, those people deserve a lot of credit for even allowing me to come back and even continue my career."

With David Ortiz asking for cheers from Yankee Stadium, how would Rodriguez like his send off to be?

"I'm certainly going to enjoy, but hopefully it is just low-key," Rodriguez said. "I haven't thought that far ahead, to be honest with you."

Should Rodriguez eclipse Bonds, do you see any chance that he receives Hall of Fame considerations?