Alex Rodriguez: Could the Miami Marlins Trade for the Slugger Before 2017?
April 2, 2012 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins played the first contest in the new Marlins Park when they squared off in an exhibition game on Sunday. The Yankees came out on top, winning by a score of 10-8.
That wasn’t the biggest story of the day, though.
Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez treated the exhibition like a homecoming, as he currently resides in Miami, Florida. He expressed his love and pride for the city after playing in the new ballpark:
“I never imagined as a child that such a beautiful stadium would be built in the middle of Miami. So I’m very proud of the city of Miami and the Marlins that they’ve been able to achieve this in my hometown.”
This quote was given by Rodriguez in a news conference after the game. The reason for the news conference?
To express his love for the stadium.
He added on this statement later on in the conference:
“This is like, hello Major League Baseball, we’re here. Jeff Loria and his staff worked very hard with the city of Miami. I’ll tell you, I get chills, I get a little emotional. I’m right down the street and get to share this with my family and friends.”
In 1993 as a high school senior, Rodriguez was a huge fan of the expansion-Marlins and was anxious to play for the team. He went to high school in nearby West Kendall.
It’s obvious that he didn’t get his wish at that point in time, but is it possible that he could play with the Marlins before his career ends?
Yes, it is. In fact, it might even be possible for him to play with the Marlins before his current contract ends.
With the Marlins spending vigorously in free agency this past offseason, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to believe that Jeffrey Loria’s Marlins could take on the $20 million annual contract of Rodriguez.
Actually, they probably wouldn’t even have to pay that much. The Yankees would most likely pick up close to $8-10 million of his salary per year.
Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buerhle’s massive contracts would most likely all be off the books at the time a trade would take place, and Reyes would be the only player that I would foresee remaining with the club after his current deal expires. There would easily be plenty of room for Rodriguez in the payroll.
At that point in his career, though, he likely wouldn’t be worth the amount he is now.
From the Yankees’ standpoint, the team would probably benefit greatly from unloading Rodriguez.
For argument’s sake, let’s say a trade happens during the 2016 season. At that point in time, Rodriguez would be likely be approaching 40-years old. Assuming he’s stayed healthy to that point, he’d likely have already hit his 700th career home run.
At 40, he’d likely be a shell of his former self—even more so than he is now—but would still be a viable major leaguer.
The Yankees would have prospects Brandon Laird and Dante Bichette, Jr. ready to take over at third by 2016, with Bichette being the most likely heir.
By shipping Rodriguez to Miami, the Yankees would effectively lower their payroll and get significantly younger.
The Marlins would probably be very interested in acquiring Rodriguez.
For starters, he wants to play there. At least it seems that way given his comments on Sunday.
Secondly, Rodriguez would be in line to break the all-time home run record by the end of his contract. The Marlins would attract so much publicity with Rodriguez chasing Barry Bonds’s record, which would be great for an otherwise under-the-radar franchise.
There are just two things standing in the way of a deal between the two clubs for Rodriguez.
Hanley Ramirez and What the Yankees Would Get in Return
Ramirez would probably be the easiest obstacle to overcome, as he may not even be with the club in 2016. His current contract is set to expire after the 2014 season, and there’s sure to be a bidding war for his services.
The Marlins, even though they proved that they’re willing to spend big during this past offseason, probably wouldn’t be able to match the big offers of other teams.
Now, as for what the Yankees would receive in return for Rodriguez.
It’s hard to gauge his value so far in advance, but he’ll unlikely command a top of the line return considering his age.
I would think that two mid-to-high-level prospects could get a deal done, with the Yankees of course agreeing to pay a decent amount of his contract.
Sure, this scenario is pure speculation at this point in time.
That being said, don’t be surprised if Rodriguez ends up playing for his dream team before his current contract with the Yankees expires.
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