Alex Rodriguez to Reportedly Join Phillies NL East Rival
Just when you though Alex Rodriguez was gone, a team plans to sign him
People inside baseball thought they had seen the last of Alex Rodriguez when the New York Yankees announced they would waive him last week. At the age of 41, Rodriguez is at the tail-end of his career, and his production has dropped off dramatically.
He was expected to walk off into the sunset and not be heard of again.
But then again, this is A-Rod we’re talking about.
According to media reports, Alex Rodriguez will take whatever talent he has left to South Beach and join the Miami Marlins.
REPORT: Alex Rodriguez to join Marlins after clearing waivers https://t.co/KC5hClitHk
— FanSided (@FanSided) August 15, 2016
Marlins President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill acknowledged the club kicked around the idea of brining in A-Rod shortly after his final game with the Yankees.
Manager Don Mattingly told reporters Saturday “there’s no reason he couldn’t play first. He has the ability to do a lot of things.”
The Marlins will play IN Philadelphia September 16-18, so Philly fans will have one last chance to give A-Rod the farewell he deserves.
Philadelphia Phillies
Miami is on the cusp of a Wild Card birth, but has struggled mightily with injuries. First baseman Justin Bour is on the disabled list with a right ankle sprain that has not responded well to treatment.
The loss of slugger Giancarlo Stanton may be the straw that broke the camels’ back when it came to looking at Alex Rodriguez. Stanton is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a groin injury.
Bour and Stanton have combined for 40 home runs this season. Stanton won the Home Run Derby last month, but hit just five home runs since the All-Star break.
Alex Rodriguez would hypothetically fit into the middle of the Marlins line-up in his quest for 700 home runs. He needs just four more to join his new hitting coach Barry Bonds in the elusive club.
He would also be reunited with former teammates Ichiro Suzuki and Martin Prado, both of whom played on the Yankees.
This would also be A-Rod’s first National League team in his 22-year career, having previously played in Seattle and Texas. He has only one at-bat in Marlins Park, and did not reach base in that plate appearance.
A-Rod has two hits in three games during his career at The Bank, not including the 2009 post-season.