Players most likely to retire in 2017

Beltran returned to Houston, where he played briefly in 2004, on a one-year, $16 million contract this offseason. He hit .295-29-93 this past season and will turn 40 in April. The DH spot could prolong Beltran's career, but he's still getting close to the end.

A star early in his career known for his incredible dunks, Carter is just a role player for the Grizzlies in his age 40 season. He averaged 9.3 points per game over his first 18 contests of the season.

Chara is one of the biggest players the NHL has ever seen, standing at 6-9, and has played for the Bruins since 2006. He's made a very limited contribution this year in his age 39 season.

Charles' career yards per carry average of 5.5 ranks up with the best running backs of all time, but he could be at the end of the road. The Chiefs running back suffered a torn ACL last season and got only 12 carries this season before undergoing surgery on both knees as he approaches age 30.

Colon's longevity has been greater than anyone would have expected considering his history of shoulder issues and girth, but he earned a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the Braves this offseason going on age 44.

Dickey has pitched into his 40s, which isn't uncommon for a knuckleball player. However, he's coming off a down year in 2016 and signed just a one-year contract this offseason with Atlanta.

The longtime Coyote has contributed very little so far in his age 40 season after scoring 28 goals last season. The three-time All-Star could be approaching the end.

Playing on a Falcons squad desperate for pass-rush help, Freeney has three sacks in 11 games. He can still generate a pass rush, but his play has certainly fallen off at age 36.

The oft-injured Gates continues to see his play drop off, with only 327 receiving yards in 10 games this season. The Chargers prepared for losing Gates by drafting Hunter Henry, who has been a nice boost this season. Gates is a sure Hall of Famer who could be in his final season.

Tim Duncan retired after last season, and Ginobili is likely the next Spurs star to retire. The Argentinian guard continues to serve as a role player, averaging only eight points through 17 games.

A late bloomer with the Steelers, Harrison is one of the oldest players in the NFL at age 38. He has five sacks through 12 games and has annually faced the retirement question recently.

Jagr's prowess has spanned generations, beginning his career back in 1990. He's still a contributor for the Panthers at age 44, but it remains to be seen how much hockey he has left.

Mathis led the league in sacks in 2013, but his play has continued to drop off following a torn Achilles. He has only three sacks in 11 games this season at age 35.

A former AL MVP, Morneau returned from injury to serve as the White Sox DH in 58 games last season. His bat isn't what it used to be after so many injuries over his career, and he's heading into his age 36 season.

Newman is still playing at a high level for the Vikes at age 38, though he's become more of a role player than primary cornerback. He's already outlasted his shelf life nearing age 40 in the NFL.

Nowitzki's play has declined in recent seasons, and an Achilles injury is disrupting him this year. He's played only five games this season, averaging 12.2 points per game.

Palmer has been stuck in a rut since late in the 2015 season, and his play has dropped off significantly at age 36. With what will likely be a losing season in 2016, there could be retirement whispers following the year.

Pierce plans to retire following the 2016-17 season, but he has work to do before then. The veteran is wrapping up his career with the Clippers as a bench player.

The many innings have taken their toll on Shields, who went 6-19 with a 5.85 ERA last season. He has two years remaining on his contract, but the White Sox could be force to released him if his performance doesn't improve soon.

Smith planned to retire after last season, but an Achilles injured suffered at midseason caused him to reconsider. He's continued to produce for the Ravens this year but could finally hang up his shoulder pads at age 37.

Ichiro made it to 3,000 hits in the States this past season and also showed that he has something left after hitting .291. Going into his age 43 season, the future Hall of Famer has one year remaining on his contract, plus a team option.

Uehara has never been durable since arriving to the States in 2009, but he's always been effective. He did start to show signs of age last season, with a 3.45 ERA, and heads into his age 42 season.

A sure Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest kicker ever, Vinatieri is still going strong at age 43. Still, it wouldn't be a shock if he decided to retire given his age.

Ware has missed time to injury for the second straight year, though he has been an effective pass rusher when healthy. Closing in on 140 sacks and with an Super Bowl ring, it remains to be seen how much longer the 34-year-old Ware will play.

The player formerly known as Ron Artest is providing veteran experience and a few minutes off the bench for the Lakers. Averaging less than six minutes per game, it would be surprising if he returned next season.