AL West Watch: Rasmus Accepts Houston's Qualifying Offer

The Texas Rangers have had their share of qualifying offers extended to player in the now four-year history of the rule that allows teams to give players a one-year offer for a preset amount — this year it's $15.8 million. If they decline the offer and sign elsewhere in free agency, the team receives a first-round draft pick in compensation.

Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz both declined such offers from the Rangers in the past, and they have one outstanding to starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo that must be decided upon by Friday afternoon.

In the history of the rule, no player has ever accepted a qualifying offer. But on Thursday night, it happened, and it happened with the Rangers' new chief AL West rival Houston Astros.

Colby Rasmus accepted the Astros' qualifying offer for $15.8 million in 2016 after which time he'll become a free agent. In 2015, Rasmus hit .238 with a .314 on-base percentage, 25 homers and 61 RBIs. In the postseason, he caught fire and was one of the stars of the playoffs as the Astros fell in the ALDS to eventual champ Kansas City.

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