The New York Yankees made some major deadline deals, but they might not be done. Alex Rodriguez could be next.
The Yankees obviously aren’t trading Rodriguez — the non-waiver deadline passed Monday and good luck finding anyone to take on that contract — but the Yankees instead are toying with the option of releasing Rodriguez, the New York Daily News reported Monday night.
It could even happen before the season ends, according to the report.
“While the more likely scenario still seems to be parting ways with A-Rod over the winter, a source familiar with the situation told the Daily News on Monday that there’s a chance releasing the slumping DH ‘could happen’ before the end of this season as part of the team’s ongoing overhaul,” the report reads.
Rodriguez, much like the Yankees as a team for much of the season, has been a relative non-factor in 2016. He’s appeared in just 61 games, all as a designated hitter, and is barely hitting over the Mendoza Line, with a .205 batting average, nine home runs and 29 RBIs. His .611 OPS is far below his .930 career mark and even more than 200 points below his OPS from 2015.
Rodriguez’s contract also remains an albatross. He’s still owed the remainder of his $21 million salary this season and he’s in line for another $21 million next season. All of that money, of course, is guaranteed.
Also adding to the intrigue is Rodriguez is just four home runs away from 700 for his career. If, when and where he hits those four home runs appears very much up in the air at this point.
Thumbnail photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
