What are the Yankees going to do with A-Rod’s No. 13?

If you have any common knowledge regarding the New York Yankees, you know that their selection of uniform numbers for a new player to choose from is vastly on the slimmer side in comparison to other teams.

With Derek Jeter’s No. 2 officially retired last May, that marked the Yankees as the only franchise in baseball to not have a single-digit option left, while also tying the Boston Celtics for the most players to have their number honored.

Now, of course, this certainly isn’t a real issue to lose sleep over, but it is worthy of a conversation. With MLB.com’s number five prospect Gleyber Torres on his way to the Bronx possibly as soon as this week, the lowest number available he could technically be issued is Alex Rodriguez’s No. 13. However, whether that number finds its place in Monument Park or is put back into commission is unknown at this point. 

So that brings up the question. What do the Yankees plan on doing with (un)lucky No. 13?

Come this August, it will have been two years since Alex Rodriguez was essentially forced to hang up the spikes following an ineffective season that dictated the Yankees’ release of the 3-time MVP. It marked the end of a controversial but outstanding career, but also a 162-game suspension due to his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal.

With that said, there’s a justifiable reason to retire A-Rod’s number and solidify his place in Yankee history, while there is also certainly reason to put his number 13 up for grabs.

Which route will Steinbrenner and the Yankee organization go?

If I had to place a bet towards one specific option, I’d have to choose the side of No. 13 being put back in commision, however not for a decent while.

A-Rod may very well receive the Paul O’Neill treatment for the time being. O’Neill’s No. 21 is not retired as of now, however, it’s only been worn by two players since his retirement in 2001. Morgan Ensberg and LaTroy Hawkins both had a brief stint with the number in 2008, but that experiment was quickly halted when fans voiced their disapproval.

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Although I doubt the fans would get too riled up over No. 13 being reissued, it could stir some controversy among A-Rod diehards. Nonetheless, the Yankees should make a decision within the next few years on what’s next for the controversial number.

In my personal opinion, the fate of A-Rod being honored will likely be the same as his missed opportunity at becoming a Hall of Famer.

If he simply just let his pure natural ability to play baseball narrate his career instead of performance-enhancing drugs, this wouldn’t even be a discussion. No. 13 would be enshrined in monument park right next to Derek Jeter’s No. 2, locking him in as an all-time Yankee great.

Next: Yankees: Aaron Judge continues to rewrite the record books

No matter what decision is made, it’s one that will spark controversy and a decision that should be made sooner rather than later.