Colby Rasmus plans to retire in 4 years: 'I haven't got much more in me'

Colby Rasmus sometimes doesn't have fun playing baseball anymore.

The outfielder, who inked a one-year, $8-million contract with the Houston Astros this winter, wants to play this season, and three more before calling it a career. He's looking forward to retiring and spending time with his family at his newly purchased cattle ranch in Alabama.

“I’m getting a little older now,” the 28-year-old told Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I’ve been taking a beating on this body. I’m a lot older than I used to be. Playing on that turf in Toronto was pretty tough. It has a nice slab of concrete underneath and I was diving on it. I didn’t baby myself and take it easy.

“It’s a tough game. A lot of stuff goes on. I haven’t got much more in me.”

Rasmus played for the Toronto Blue Jays for three-plus seasons - but not by choice - after being dealt by the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a multi-player deal prior to the trade deadline in 2011. Rasmus posted solid numbers in his first two years north of the border, but his average dipped to .225 as he battled a hamstring problem for much of last year.

Rasmus will be a free agent in 2016, and has been ripped by former teammates for not being the most pleasant player in the clubhouse. Regardless of his past, the Astros are hoping Rasmus can provide leadership to their young squad this year.