5 reasons the Yankees should release Alex Rodriguez

May 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) gets ready at third base during the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The New York Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Age

The serious speculation about the Yankees releasing Rodriguez surfaced, as I alluded to, in late-July. His turning 41 on July 27 makes that far from a coincidence, and the team’s trade moves over the last week or so means a youth movement is on the horizon in the Bronx.

The Yankees’ farm system is now well-stocked with good prospects from the Chicago Cubs (Aroldis Chapman trade), Cleveland Indians (Andrew Miller trade) and Texas Rangers (Carlos Beltran trade), which sets them up to have young, controllable talent well into the future.

Rodriguez is obviously not young or anywhere close to his prime, in any way, shape or form. For what he now offers, it also goes without saying he’s not drawing a reasonable salary over the season-plus that is left on his contract.

Rodriguez clearly does not fit with the plan Cashman appears to be embarking on, perhaps with an eye toward bigger moves over the next couple offseasons. Though it would have to be with an outright release, barring a surprise deal that would be struck if or when he were to clear waivers this month, the sell-mode of veterans leading into Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline is not complete for the Yankees without also getting rid of Rodriguez.

Next: 1. A Steep Offensive Drop-Off

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