It’s official, Alex Rodriguez wants his number retired.
Alex Rodriguez admitted to @EvanandTikiWFAN that he wasn’t happy when the Yankees gave No. 13 to Joey Gallo: pic.twitter.com/MTlr7ayR9R
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) October 20, 2023
In a recent interview on the Evan & Tiki show on WFAN in New York, the 14-time All-Star said, “It did not make me happy” when the Yankees let Joey Gallo wear his No. 13 back in 2021, adding, “It’d be nice to be recognized in one of the coolest places to be in Yankee history, but that’s not my decision.”
It’s not ours either, but let’s play hypothetical Yankee owner for a second and see if we think A-Rod deserves to have his number retired.
Should the Yankees Retire Alex Rodriguez’s Number 13?
The Numbers
Based on the stats alone, Rodriguez is undoubtedly one of the best players in MLB history. He’s a three-time AL MVP, 10-time Silver Slugger, and two-time Gold Glove winner. His 696 total home runs put him at fifth all-time and he’s 16th in the almighty career WAR (117.5).
Even though he wasn’t a career Yankee, he called the Bronx his home for over a decade. During this span, he had a slash line of .283/.378/.523 and tallied 1,096 of his 2,086 career RBIs. He also cemented his pinstripe legacy by hitting .365 with six home runs in the 2009 playoffs, which helped land the Yankees a World Series title.
With these numbers, it seems like a no-brainer to put No. 13 in Monument Park. But as always, there’s a catch.
The Concerns
Throughout his shining career, there has been one thing that has lingered over A-Rod’s reputation: PEDs. Back in 2013, Rodriguez was found to have used human-growth hormones and became the face of everything baseball purists hated about the game.
MLB went on to suspend the third baseman for a record 211 games, resulting in him missing all of the 2014 season. When he returned, Yankee fans didn’t hold their hurt feelings back and would go on to hold contempt in their hearts towards him for the remainder of his career.
The Verdict
Everyone will have their own opinions on it, but I think A-Rod should have his number retired. Do I think it will happen? No.
The Yankee brass factors in many things when they consider who should join their ring of honor, and reputation is one of them. Players like Derek Jeter and Mickey Mantle not only have the numbers to back it, but they have a sterling on-the-field legacy that makes them stand out with the greats. Rodriguez certainly has the numbers to be at that transcendent level, but sadly, the suspension will drag his legacy down.
However, for those who had the privilege of watching him live, you could tell he was special. His time in New York includes unforgettable memories like his 3,000th hit and two MVP awards, and his place in MLB history is up there with some of the best to ever do it.
His current job as a baseball analyst has made him much more likable to baseball fans, and who knows, maybe the decision-makers will change their tune one day and retire his number.
But for now, Alex Rodriguez’s number 13 will be available to all Yankees.
Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
