The New York Yankees have no plans to release Alex Rodriguez, even as he is of little use to the team anymore.
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Alex Rodriguez had a monster 2015 for the New York Yankees, blasting 33 home runs during the regular season. Despite rumors of him not even making the roster out of spring training, Rodriguez put that behind him, and showed veteran leadership all season long. The big season thawed out his relationship with the Yankees’ brass and fans, and it looked like he may actually be able to produce into his 40s.
In 2016, Rodriguez has looked every bit of his 40 years of age. A-Rod will turn 41 on Wednesday, and he has seen his role on the team diminish to the point where he does not even face left-handers on a regular basis anymore. However, general manager Brian Cashman is sticking with Rodriguez, and has not considered releasing him.
David Lennon, a baseball columnist for NewsDay, tweeted this out before Monday’s game against the Houston Astros:
Cashman also said releasing A-Rod is “not something that’s being considered.” #yankees
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) July 25, 2016
Rodriguez is owed $21 million both this year, and next, and while that is a big chunk of change for a guy hitting .209 on the season, Yankees team owner Hal Steinbrenner has no intention of eating the money.
Once considered one of the best players in the history of baseball, Rodriguez has seen his career mired in steroid suspensions since coming over to the Yankees. With his legacy tarnished, Rodriguez has actually turned around his public image by being a great teammate, and he has proven to be invaluable in the clubhouse.
He still shows flashes of power every once in a while, but he is just no longer an everyday player, even at designated hitter. The Yankees traded closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday to the Chicago Cubs, and if they do not string together some wins before the trading deadline, they may be seller this year, instead of buyers.
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