Report: Rollins looking to play next season

Jimmy Rollins' 2016 season ended abruptly, and much earlier than he may have wanted, and now he's itching to make a return to the diamond. The former star shortstop is reportedly looking to play in 2017, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

It's quite possible, though, that Rollins will have to settle for a minor-league contract in order to get a job next season, just as he was forced to do one year ago. After making $11 million in 2015, the 38-year-old had to wait until February 2016 for the Chicago White Sox to offer him a spring training invite. Rollins made the White Sox roster and was their Opening Day shortstop, but was ineffective, hitting just .221/.295/.329 with two homers and five steals over just 41 games while displaying declining defense. The White Sox designated him for assignment in June, and he sat out the rest of the season.

That's a far cry from the man who won the 2007 NL MVP with the Philadelphia Phillies by posting only the fourth 20-20-20-20 season in MLB history. Although he helped lead the Phillies to four straight playoff appearances from 2008-11 and one World Series title, Rollins' play has slowly declined in the years since his MVP campaign. His strikeout percentage has steadily risen annually, and he hasn't scored over 100 runs just once since 2010.

Across 17 big-league seasons with the Phillies, White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Rollins owns a .264/.324/.418 slash line with 231 homers, 2,455 hits, and 470 stolen bases, to go along with the MVP, four Gold Gloves, three All-Star appearances, and a Silver Slugger.