Rasmus officially becomes 1st player to accept qualifying offer

Colby Rasmus has etched his name in the baseball record books with a rare occurrence off the field.

The outfielder officially accepted the Houston Astros' one-year, $15.8-million qualifying offer Friday, becoming the first player in MLB history to accept a qualifying offer.

"We are thrilled to have Colby back. We're excited Colby will be here for another year. We like our outfield," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said during a press conference.

Rasmus, who earned $8 million on a one-year pact with the Astros last season, will nearly double his income in 2016, and will still have the chance to test the free-agent market at the conclusion of the season, should he choose to do so.

"I was hoping that something would go through with the Astros," Rasmus told reporters. "It's where I wanted to be. I had a blast last year."

Thirty-four players have received and rejected qualifying offers since the system was implemented. This year, 20 players have been extended offers, and have until 5 p.m. ET on Friday to accept or reject their contracts.

Rasmus, 29, hit .238/.314/.475 with 25 homers and 61 RBIs in 137 regular-season games for the upstart Astros last year, but may have won the club over with a dominant .412/.583/1.176 output in six postseason contests.