Sep 18, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) reacts after flying out in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Many people believe that Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez‘s time in baseball is over, let alone his time with the Yankees. But a serious question is looming. Should the Yankees bring back Rodriguez, or should they eat his contract and release him?
There are more reasons that the Yankees should keep him than reasons that they should let him go. First off, the Yankees still owe $61 million to Rodriguez, and it would not make much sence to pay him and not get anything for it. If you put Rodriguez’s numbers from last year up against Solarte’s and Kelly Johnson‘s, he could be 2.0 WAR player next year. That would be a huge upgrade, and even would be worth what Rodriguez’s contract amount is, being the huge numbers free agents are getting on the market these days.
Rodriguez who recently dropped his lawsuit against the Yankees, has $6 million due to him in endorsements. You would think from a PR standpoint, that it would be a horrible thing to have to sell t-shirts and hats for a man who just tried to sue you.
Having Rodriguez back, would be an absolute media circus next year, with Derek Jeter being gone, might not be a bad thing, due to the lack of star power the team will have. This all comes down to PR views versus baseball views. When it comes to PR views, the Yankees don’t want all the negative attention that Rodriguez could bring, but as far as baseball is concerned, Rodriguez would almost certainly be an upgrade from anything the Yankees currently have, and could help the Yankees’ team significantly.
What do you think? Should the Yankees keep Alex Rodriguez?