Alex Rodriguez’s playing days with the New York Yankees soon will be over.
The Yankees announced Sunday that the third baseman/designated hitter will play his final game with New York on Friday at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays. After that game, Rodriguez will be unconditionally released from his player’s contract and sign with the team through Dec. 31, 2017 to be an advisor and instructor.
“After spending several days discussing this plan with Alex, I am pleased that he will remain a part of our organization moving forward and transition into a role in which I know he can flourish,” Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a press release. “We have an exciting group of talented young players at every level of our system. Our job as an organization is to utilize every resource possible to allow them to reach their potential, and I expect Alex to directly contribute to their growth and success.
“Baseball runs through his blood. He’s a tireless worker and an astute student of the game. Alex has already proven to be a willing and effective mentor to many players who have come through our clubhouse, and I am confident that this next phase of his baseball life will bring out the best in Alex and the next generation of Yankees.”
Rodriguez told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal that the Yankees will play him at designated hitter on Friday against the Rays before he’s released. As for the remaining money on his 10-year, $275 million contract, Rosenthal reports Rodriguez will be paid the $20 million owed to him for 2017 and the remainder of his 2016 guaranteed money when he’s released.
“It’s both a happy and sad day,” Rodriguez told Rosenthal. “I’m obviously disappointed but I’m also at peace with their decision.”
Rodriguez’s playing time has been drastically cut of late as the Yankees decided to sell at the non-waiver trade deadline and build for the future. He only has seven at-bats and one start since July 22.
The three-time American League MVP and one-time World Series champion has 696 career home runs, and would be a surefire Hall of Famer if not to his multiple links to performance-enhancing drugs. But he was suspended as recently as 2014 for the entire season after the Biogenesis scandal.
Before Friday’s game, the Yankees will play the Cleveland Indians on Sunday and a three-game series in Boston against the Red Sox.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
