Alex Rodriguez is calling it quits.
The New York Yankees held a press conference on Sunday where it was announced Rodriguez will retire after Friday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Immediately upon retiring, the Yankees will conditionally release the all-time great slugger and sign him as a special advisor and instructor with the club.
WATCH: "This is a tough day…It is also a proud day." @AROD announces @MLB retirement: https://t.co/s0X5LfhSUp
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 7, 2016
“The sad part is, it ended too quick, as it usually ends for most athletes who feel they can play forever,” Rodriguez told Ken Ronsethal of Fox Sports. “The great news is, I’m going to be in a role I think I’m going to enjoy. I’m also going to learn a lot. The fact that Hal asked me to do this is something that I’ll treasure.”
It's a very good sign as a Yankee fan that Hal was gonna release & pay A-Rod no matter what. Front office knows it's time to rebuild.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 7, 2016
Rodriguez’s career has been a fascinating up-and-down tale.
The 41-year-old is one of the games all-time best power hitters, hitting 40+ home runs eight times. He spent his career with the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. After joining the Yankees in 2004, he continued his domination by posting gaudy numbers. Rodriguez, famously, was suspended the entire 2014 season for his steroid use. Upon returning from suspension, he surprised the baseball world, reviving his career in 2015 by hitting 33 home runs. In 2016, Rodriguez’s ability has flatlined. He’s batting just .204 with nine home runs in 62 games.
New York is embracing a youth movement, evident by the team’s multiple trades of talented veterans during the trade deadline. Releasing Rodriguez will give another bench spot to a youngster. A-Rod, meanwhile, can transition into a new career. It’s a mutually beneficial move.
With 696 career home runs, Rodriguez will go down as one of the best power hitters to play the game – even if there’s an asterisk beside his records.
Calling it quits won’t be easy. Going out in Pinstripes at Yankees Stadium is fitting.