New York Yankees: All-time best third basemen in franchise history

New York Yankees all-time third basemen – No. 1: Alex Rodriguez (54.0 WAR)

There is no denying the talent that A-Rod had in his 22-year career, even when the talk of steroids enters the conversation. He spent over half of his time the league with the Yankees.

In 2004, the Yankees acquired Rodriguez from the Seattle Mariners. He was a shortstop at the time of the trade, but with Derek Jeter at short for the Bombers, Rodriguez slid over to third base and was a staple there for 12 years.

He was a seven-time All-Star for the Yankees and wrapped 12 years with the Pinstripes with a .283 average with 351 home runs, 1,096 RBIs and 152 stolen bases. He won the AL MVP Award in 2005 and 2007.

He signed a 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees in 2007. In his second year of the deal, the Yankees won the World Series and Rodriguez played a large role in the 27th and last championship.

Against the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, he hit .455 with two home runs and six RBIs in 2009. In the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he hit .429 with three home runs and six RBIs. In the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, his average dipped to .250 with one home, but for the third consecutive series, he drove in six runs.

On top of the MVP Awards, Rodriguez won the Silver Slugger Award 10 times, was crowned American League home run champion five times and was a 14-time All-Star. He also became the youngest player to hit 500 home runs when he hit No. 500 in 2007 at the age of 31. It’s easy to see why he goes down as the Yankees best all-time third basemen at the hot corner.