Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alex Rodriguez

How Alex Rodriguez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Alex Rodriguez, nicknamed "A-Rod", is a former MLB shortstop, third baseman, and designated hitter who played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees over 22 seasons. Once considered one of baseball's greatest talents, he is now the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He is also set to acquire a controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA with Marc Lore.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1900: Rodriguez's Major League Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, becoming just the third 18-year-old major league shortstop since 1900.

1914: Second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded, with the first coming in 1914

February 15, 2004 was the second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded, with the first time coming in 1914 when Eddie Collins was traded to the Chicago White Sox from the Philadelphia Athletics for cash considerations.

1978: Rodriguez's Major League Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, becoming the first 18-year-old major league player since 1978.

1993: Tried out for the United States National Baseball Team

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez became the first high school player to try out for the United States national baseball team and was regarded as the top prospect in the country.

1993: Signed with the Seattle Mariners

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez turned down a baseball scholarship offer from the University of Miami and signed with the Seattle Mariners after being selected first overall in the amateur draft at the age of 17.

1993: Drafted by the Mariners

In 1993, the Mariners selected Rodriguez first overall in the MLB draft.

1993: Signed a Three-Year Contract with the Seattle Mariners

In 1993, the Seattle Mariners signed Alex Rodriguez to a three-year contract worth $1.3 million, with a $1 million signing bonus.

July 8, 1994: Major League Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, becoming just the third 18-year-old major league shortstop since 1900. He was also the first 18-year-old major league player since 1978 and the youngest position player in Seattle history. He remains the last 18-year-old to play in an MLB game, as of the end of the 2024 season.

1994: Debut with the Seattle Mariners

In 1994, Alex Rodriguez began his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners.

1995: Splits Season Between Mariners and Tacoma Rainiers

In 1995, Alex Rodriguez split most of the season between the Mariners and the Tacoma Rainiers of the PCL. He hit his first major league home run off Kansas City's Tom Gordon on June 12. Rodriguez permanently joined the Mariners roster in August and got his first taste of postseason play, albeit just two at-bats. Again, he was the youngest player in Major League Baseball.

1996: Top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting between 1996

Between 1996 and 2002, Alex Rodriguez had five top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting.

1996: Became Mariners' starting Shortstop and Won Batting Title

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez became the Mariners' starting shortstop, won the major league batting title, and finished second in voting for the AL MVP Award.

1996: Founding of A-Rod Corp

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez founded A-Rod Corp, a holding company.

1997: All-Star Game Selection

In 1997, Alex Rodriguez batted .300 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. He was the fan's choice to start the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team, becoming the first player other than Ripken to start at shortstop in 13 years. He also hit for the cycle on June 5, becoming the second Mariner, and at 21 years, 10 months, the fifth-youngest player in history, to accomplish the feat.

1998: Set AL Record for Homers and Joined 40-40 Club

In 1998, Alex Rodriguez set the AL record for homers by a shortstop and became just the third member of the 40-40 club, with 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases.

2000: Signed with the Texas Rangers

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez became a free agent and eventually signed with the Texas Rangers, who had fallen to last place in their division in 2000. The contract was at the time the most lucrative contract in sports history: a 10-year deal worth $252 million.

2000: Joined the Rangers

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez left the Mariners via free agency to join the Rangers.

2000: End of time with the Mariners

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez finished his time with the Seattle Mariners.

2000: Dominated in the 2000 season

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez hit 41 home runs with 132 RBIs and a .316 batting average, setting a career high for walks (100) and becoming the only shortstop to have 100 runs, RBI, and walks in the same season. He hit well in the playoffs as well (.409 batting average and .773 slugging percentage), but Seattle lost to the New York Yankees in the 2000 American League Championship Series. He was selected as the Major League Player of the Year by Baseball America and finished third in the AL MVP voting.

2001: Joins Texas Rangers

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez joined the Texas Rangers.

2001: Started 161 games at shortstop in 2001

In 2001, Rodriguez started 161 games at shortstop and one as the designated hitter, becoming the only major league player to start all of his team's games that year.

2002: Top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting between 2002

Between 1996 and 2002, Alex Rodriguez had five top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting.

2003: Texas set out to part ways with Rodriguez after the 2003 season

Following the 2003 season, the Texas Rangers sought to trade Alex Rodriguez and his expensive contract.

2003: First Investments of A-Rod Corp

In 2003, A-Rod Corp began making its first investments in various companies.

2003: Donation to University of Miami

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez donated $3.9 million to the University of Miami to renovate its baseball stadium, which was then renamed "Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field".

2003: Leaves Texas Rangers

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez ended his time with the Texas Rangers.

2003: End of Banned Substance Use

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez stopped using banned substances after a spring training injury while playing for the Rangers, claiming that all his years in New York had been clean.

2003: Final season with the Rangers in 2003

The 2003 season marked Alex Rodriguez's last year with the Texas Rangers, during which he led the American League in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage, and won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award.

February 15, 2004: Traded to the New York Yankees on February 15, 2004

On February 15, 2004, the Texas Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named later. Rodriguez switched positions from shortstop to third base.

2004: Traded to the Yankees

Before the 2004 season, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees, where he converted to a third baseman.

2004: Joins New York Yankees

In 2004, Alex Rodriguez joined the New York Yankees.

2004: Aaron Boone knee injury in 2004

In 2004, Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee injury playing basketball, creating an opening at third base.

2004: Dominant hitter in the 2004 ALDS

In the 2004 ALDS, Alex Rodriguez was a dominant hitter against the Minnesota Twins, batting .421 and slugging .737 and delivering two key extra-inning hits.

2005: Led the American League with 124 runs and 48 home runs in 2005

In 2005, Alex Rodriguez hit .321, leading the American League with 124 runs and 48 home runs while driving in 130 runs.

2006: Played for Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic

Prior to the season, in 2006, Alex Rodriguez played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

October 28, 2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

On October 28, 2007, Alex Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, announced that Rodriguez would not renew his contract with the Yankees. This decision was met with criticism from fans and writers, especially due to its timing during Game 4 of the World Series.

November 15, 2007: Rodriguez agrees to contract with Yankees

On November 15, 2007, Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed on the basic framework of a 10-year, $275 million contract that would have him playing until he was 42. The contract included multimillion-dollar incentives for breaking career home run milestones.

2007: Rodriguez achieves historic season

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez became the first player in major league history to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in 10 consecutive seasons. He led the AL in several categories, including home runs (54) and RBIs (156), and won his third Babe Ruth Home Run Award in 2007.

2007: Named AL MVP and Signed Record Contract

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez was named AL MVP and opted out of his contract, then signed a new 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees, breaking his own record for the sport's most lucrative contract. He also became the youngest player to hit 500 home runs.

September 3, 2008: Rodriguez hits home run with instant replay review

On September 3, 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit his 549th home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. The play was the first time in MLB history that instant replay was used to review the play and uphold the umpires' ruling.

2008: Founding of Newport Property Construction

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez founded Newport Property Construction, a real-estate development firm.

October 4, 2009: Rodriguez sets American League RBI record

On October 4, 2009, during the final game of the season, Alex Rodriguez hit two home runs in the sixth inning that drove in seven runs, setting an American League record for most RBI by a batter in a single inning. He reached 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the 12th consecutive season.

2009: Positive Comparisons to Reggie Jackson After Postseason Performance

After his performance in the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez began receiving positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson, with some even referring to him as "Mr. October."

2009: Won World Series with the Yankees

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez helped the Yankees win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies, earning his only championship title.

2009: Rodriguez wins World Series with Yankees and Babe Ruth Award

In 2009, the Yankees faced the Phillies in the World Series, and won. Alex Rodriguez was the Babe Ruth Award winner as the 2009 postseason MVP, in which he batted .365 with six home runs and 18 RBI.

2009: Rodriguez breaks postseason slump

In the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota, Alex Rodriguez hit two RBI singles. In Game 2, he hit a game-tying homer. In Game 3, he again hit a game-tying home run.

2009: Exceptional Performance in 2009 Postseason

In the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez answered criticism with an outstanding performance, posting a .365 batting average and hitting six home runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.

August 4, 2010: Rodriguez hits 600th home run

On August 4, 2010, Alex Rodriguez became the seventh player in major league history to hit 600 home runs, becoming the youngest player to do so at 35 years and 8 days old.

2010: Rodriguez Featured in Pepsi Commercial

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Pepsi Cola commercial as a truck driver simulating a baseball player, ultimately being told he had a future in beverage delivery.

2010: Donation to Boy & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

In 2010, Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $1 million to Boy & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, for building a state-of-the-art educational center for students.

2011: Representation by Dan Lozano

As of 2011, Alex Rodriguez was represented by sports agent Dan Lozano.

June 12, 2012: Rodriguez ties Gehrig's grand slam record

On June 12, 2012, Alex Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam, tying Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.

July 24, 2012: Rodriguez fractures hand and records 2,000th strikeout

On July 24, 2012, Alex Rodriguez took a hit to the hand, resulting in a non-displaced fracture and placement on the disabled list. Earlier in the same game, he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout in MLB.

2012: Founding of Monument Capital Management

In 2012, Alex Rodriguez founded Monument Capital Management, which has acquired over $1 billion of real estate assets in 16 states.

2012: Partnership with Mark Mastrov

In 2012, Alex Rodriguez partnered with Mark Mastrov to create the Energy Fitness gym chain in Mexico City.

August 5, 2013: Rodriguez returns to Yankees amid suspension announcement

On August 5, 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees. On the same day, MLB announced he would be suspended—pending an appeal—through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

2013: Leaves New York Yankees

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez ended his time with the New York Yankees.

2013: Limited Play and Performance in 2013 Season

In the 2013 season, Alex Rodriguez played in only 44 games, achieving a .244 batting average with seven home runs and 19 RBI.

January 11, 2014: Suspension Upheld

On January 11, 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld after a lengthy arbitration process, effectively reducing it to 162 games.

2014: Sale of Mercedes-Benz Dealership

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez sold a Mercedes-Benz dealership in League City, Texas, to Group 1 Automotive.

2014: Suspension Upheld and Role Change Announced

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld, causing him to miss the entire regular season and postseason. Following this, the Yankees announced that Rodriguez would transition from an everyday third baseman to a designated hitter due to the signing of Chase Headley.

January 19, 2015: Rodriguez Meets with Commissioner Manfred

During the week of January 19, 2015, Alex Rodriguez met with the new Commissioner of Baseball, Rob Manfred. They reportedly had a "positive discussion," during which Rodriguez apologized and promised to behave in the future.

February 17, 2015: Rodriguez Issues Public Apology

On February 17, 2015, Alex Rodriguez issued a hand-written letter of apology to "Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans".

2015: Performance and Statistics in 2015 Season

From August 1 through the end of the 2015 season, Rodriguez played in 56 games, batting .191 with a .678 OPS, nine home runs, and 59 strikeouts. Despite this, he finished the year with 33 home runs, 86 RBI, and a .252 batting average, leading the Yankees in several offensive categories. Rodriguez also reached 30+ home runs for the 15th time in his career, tying with Aaron for the most 30-home-run seasons in history.

2015: Rodriguez Reports to Spring Training Early

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez reported to the New York Yankees' spring training camp three days early. The team planned to assess his ability to play first base, a position he had never played before, during spring training.

2015: Returns to New York Yankees

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez returned to the New York Yankees.

April 17, 2016: Rodriguez Makes 12,000th Career Plate Appearance

On April 17, 2016, Alex Rodriguez became the 19th player in MLB history to reach 12,000 career plate appearances.

August 12, 2016: Final Game in Professional Baseball

On August 12, 2016, Alex Rodriguez played his final game in professional baseball.

2016: End of time with the Yankees

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez finished his time with the New York Yankees.

2016: Investment in NRG Esports

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez invested in NRG Esports alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Jimmy Rollins.

2016: Fox Sports' MLB studio show wins Sports Emmy Awards

In 2016, Fox Sports' MLB studio show, featuring Alex Rodriguez as an MLB studio analyst, won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show during the network's coverage of the 2016 postseason.

2016: Rodriguez Announces Final Game and Future Role with Yankees

On August 7, 2016, Alex Rodriguez announced his final game for the Yankees would be on August 12, 2016. The Yankees planned to sign him to a contract through 2017 as a special instructor and advisor. His final game featured tributes and a brief appearance at third base, and he was then granted an unconditional release by the Yankees the next day.

January 2017: Rodriguez to Remain Special Advisor

In January 2017, Alex Rodriguez's spokesman announced that he would not play for any other team and would remain a "special advisor" to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.

January 2017: CNBC Announces Alex Rodriguez to Host "Back in the Game"

In January 2017, CNBC announced that Alex Rodriguez would be the host of the show "Back in the Game", where he would help former athletes make a comeback in their personal lives.

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2017: A-Rod Corp Gains Rights to Develop UFC-Branded Fitness Centers

In 2017, A-Rod Corp gained the rights to develop UFC-branded fitness centers across southern Florida.

2017: Rodriguez Joins Shark Tank and ABC News

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez became a guest judge on Shark Tank. He also signed a deal with ABC News network to contribute to ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and Nightline.

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2017: Rodriguez's Role as Special Instructor and Advisor

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez was supposed to continue in his role with the Yankees as a special instructor and advisor to the organization.

2017: Fox Sports' MLB studio show wins Sports Emmy Awards

In 2017, Fox Sports' MLB studio show, featuring Alex Rodriguez as an MLB studio analyst, won a back-to-back Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show during the network's coverage of the 2017 postseason.

2017: Donation to the University of Miami School of Business Administration

In 2017, Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $500,000 to the University of Miami School of Business Administration.

January 2018: Joined Sunday Night Baseball Broadcast Team and Shark Tank

In January 2018, Alex Rodriguez joined the broadcast team of Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and became a cast member of Shark Tank.

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March 2018: Rodriguez becomes host of Back in the Game

In March 2018, Alex Rodriguez became the host of the show Back in the Game, which debuted on CNBC. The series focuses on Rodriguez mentoring athletes and entertainers who have faced challenges.

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March 2018: Debut of "Back in the Game"

In March 2018, the first episode of "Back in the Game," hosted by Alex Rodriguez, debuted on CNBC.

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2018: Investment in Petros Pace Finance

In 2018, A-Rod Corp invested in Petros Pace Finance, a financier of green development.

2018: Rodriguez Joins ESPN

In 2018, Alex Rodriguez joined ESPN as a Sunday Night Baseball analyst, alongside Matt Vasgersian and Buster Olney.

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2018: Partnership with Barstool Sports

In 2018, Alex Rodriguez partnered with Barstool Sports to co-create The Corp Podcast with Dan Katz aka Barstool Big Cat.

October 2019: Donation of Meals to Tennessee Elementary Students

In October 2019, Rodriguez, along with Jennifer Lopez, donated a year's worth of meals from Tiller & Hatch to Tennessee elementary students.

November 2019: Back in the Game Series Debuts

In November 2019, a four-episode series of Back in the Game debuted, featuring Evander Holyfield, Ryan Lochte, Brian Dunkleman, and Nicole Eggert.

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2019: Representation by Jon Rosen

As of 2019, Alex Rodriguez was being represented by Jon Rosen of WME/IMG.

2019: Investment in Startups

In 2019, A-Rod Corp invested in the co-living startup Bungalow, Acorns, and Sonder Corp.

2019: Rodriguez Featured in Planters Super Bowl Commercial

In 2019, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Planters Super Bowl commercial, where Mr. Peanut stops him from eating kale chips and offers peanuts instead.

2019: Rodriguez Nominated for Emmy Award

In 2019, Alex Rodriguez was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio and Sports Event Analyst.

January 2020: Chairman of Presidente Beer Company

In January 2020, Alex Rodriguez became the new chairman of Presidente, a Dominican beer company owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

February 2020: Investment in Nova Credit

In February 2020, A-Rod Corp invested in Nova Credit, a financial technology company.

April 2020: Donation of Meals to Hospitality Workers in Miami

In April 2020, Rodriguez and Lopez donated 20,000 prepared Tiller & Hatch meals to help hospitality workers in the Miami area who had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2020: Failed Bid for the New York Mets

In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez led a group of investors bidding on the New York Mets, but the bid ultimately failed.

July 2020: Rodriguez Joins Forbes Next 1000 Judging Panel

In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez was announced as a member of the judging panel for the Forbes Next 1000 list, a franchise focusing on entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.

2020: Rodriguez Featured in Presidente Beer and Hard Rock Ads

During Super Bowl LIV in 2020, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Presidente beer Super Bowl commercial, as well as a Hard Rock ad, also featuring Jennifer Lopez.

2021: Rodriguez Launches Makeup Line with Hims

In 2021, Alex Rodriguez partnered with cosmetics company Hims to launch a makeup line for men, starting with a concealer stick. Jennifer Lopez is a co-investor.

2022: Rodriguez Appears in The Captain Miniseries

In 2022, Alex Rodriguez appeared in The Captain, a miniseries about Derek Jeter's life and career, where he and Jeter discussed the rift in their friendship.

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2022: Rodriguez Appears in DirecTV Commercial

In 2022, Alex Rodriguez appeared in a DirecTV commercial with David Ortiz and former Mariners teammates Griffey Jr. and Johnson.

2022: National Baseball Hall of Fame Consideration

In 2022, Rodriguez was considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His highest vote total is 35.7%, below the 75% threshold for election.

2022: Rodriguez Moves to Simulcast on ESPN2

In the 2022 season, Alex Rodriguez moved to a simulcast on ESPN2, co-hosting with Michael Kay.

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2024: Value of Contract in 2024

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year deal worth $252 million with the Texas Rangers, which is equivalent to $460 million in 2024.

2024: Rodriguez's Major League Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop and remains the last 18-year-old to play in an MLB game, as of the end of the 2024 season.