Just-released slugger Alex Rodriguez has already announced that he won’t play with a team other than the Yankees in 2016, but it is still unclear whether he’ll look to suit up again in the future. While there’s nothing official, and plenty of time remains for him to change his mind, A-Rod has told friends that he’s done playing, per Jon Heyman of Fan Rag.
The 41-year-old, who is among the most productive players in major league history, hasn’t yet had much time to digest his time away from the game. New York cut him loose five days ago after a mini-farewell tour of sorts.
Despite a remarkable bounceback season in 2015, coming on the heels of a highly publicized PED suspension, Rodriguez hadn’t managed to stay productive in his age-40 campaign. Over his 243 plate appearances, he carried a weak .200/.247/.351 batting line while exclusively appearing in the DH spot (up until the final inning of his tenure in New York).
Part of the severance included a deal that will make Rodriguez a special instructor and adviser next year. That doesn’t mean, though, that the organization would get in the way of him joining another team in a playing capacity. Owner Hal Steinbrenner says that it’s “a very flexible situation.”
Whether or not another team would have serious interest also remains to be seen, but it can’t be forgotten that Rodriguez posted a .250/.356/.486 slash just last year. He also contributed 33 home runs in the 2015 season, so he’s not far removed from showing serious pop.
One club that has been mentioned with some interest is the Marlins, and Heyman says the team did at least have some internal dialogue on the possibility of bringing in the hometown star. But Marlins president David Samson tamped down the concept in comments to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Samson downplayed the reports as the product of Rodriguez’s geographic ties to the Miami area. Of course, given his defensive limitations at this stage of his career, the former shortstop and third baseman would seem best suited to play in the American League if he ends up deciding to make a return endeavor.
No more, ARod, please. Was that five day goodbye not horribly awkward enough for you? It’s over. Just go, man.
The Boy needs to go to house permantly !
Does this severance package affect next years payroll for luxury tax purposes?
Unfortunately, his advisory salary for 2017 will count against the Yankees luxury tax.
No, the Yankees still have to pay the remainder of his contract but his rol as advisor is another contract. At least that’s what Hal said.
His Major League contract has been void. His NEW contract does not fall under MLBPA tax guide lines. It was purposely re-written so it wouldn’t fall under MLB Tax guide lines. He will be an employee of the Yankees Business and office Corp. which has no connection to the New York Yankees players and coaches Associated. Sir Alex will be paid millions to watch ballplayers make the ‘suggestion” on whether they’re playing the right position, or if they’re hitting or playing “UP” to the level they’re assigned to. It’s a scam, so his salary Doesn’t count against the luxury tax…
His remaining salary for 2016 and every penny of his 2017 salary will count against the Yankees payroll for luxury tax purposes. His contract wasn’t voided the players association would never allow that. The Yankees released him and as would be the same as any other player being released early from their contract they are 100% responsible. The special advisor role was to save arod the embarrassment of being released
Before making any assumptions as for year 2017 his latest games with Yankees should be analyzed, I agree with homework net. Anyway, I doubt they will let him go the next season.