Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez ‘at peace’ with possibility of release
Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez said Tuesday he would like to finish out the rest of his career with the Yankees, but that he is “at peace” with the possibility of being released.
“Whatever they do, I’m at peace,” Rodriguez told reporters.
The 41-year-old still has another year remaining on the 10-year, $275 million deal he signed in 2007, and rumors have swirled that management is considering buying him out of his final season-and-change due to his poor play.
In 215 at-bats this year, Rodriguez is hitting just .205 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs, a far cry from his 33-homer season in 2015. While he said Tuesday he thinks he can hit 20 home runs next year if healthy, he accepts not being in the future plans.
I’ve had a long career. I’ve been through a lot. I’m happy to be a Yankee. I love New York. I think I have a lot to contribute still. But you have to be realistic.
I know the organization has a brighter future today than it did last week, and hopefully I'm part of the equation, but if I'm not, I can accept it very clearly. At-bats are going to come if they come. If they don’t, they don’t...I think I can contribute, I think I can help out in the clubhouse, but if not, I have two beautiful daughters waiting for me in Miami.
The Yankees play the Mets at 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field, meaning Rodriguez, who has just six at-bats since July 22, will be forced out of the lineup without a DH slot.
- Kenny Ducey
