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 and third baseman who played for the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees over 22 seasons. Highly touted early in his career, he is considered one of baseball's greatest players. Currently, Rodriguez is a businessman, serving as chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He also co-owns a controlling interest in the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves with Marc Lore.
1914: Second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded
On February 15, 2004, the Rangers traded Rodriguez to the New York Yankees, becoming only the second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded, with the first coming in 1914.
May 24, 1936: Most by a Yankee since 1936
On April 26, 2005, Rodriguez drove in 10 runs against the Angels, marking the most by a Yankee since Tony Lazzeri's record of 11 on May 24, 1936.
1980: First Yankee to win the AL home run title since Reggie Jackson in 1980
In 2005, Rodriguez led the AL with 124 runs and 48 home runs, becoming the first Yankee to win the AL home run title since Reggie Jackson (41) in 1980.
1984: First player to lead in home runs, RBIs and total bases since 1984
In 2002, Alex Rodriguez led the major leagues with 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, and 389 total bases, making him the first player to lead in all three categories since 1984.
1993: First high school player to try out for US national baseball team
In 1993, Alex Rodriguez became the first high school player to try out for the United States national baseball team. He was regarded as the top prospect in the country.
1993: Signed with Seattle Mariners
In 1993, Alex Rodriguez signed a three-year contract worth $1.3 million with the Seattle Mariners, along with a $1 million signing bonus.
1993: Selected first overall in MLB draft
In 1993, Alex Rodriguez was selected first overall in the MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners.
1994: Joined Seattle Mariners
In 1994, Alex Rodriguez joined the Seattle Mariners, marking the beginning of his MLB career.
1994: Professional Baseball Debut
In 1994, Alex Rodriguez made his professional baseball debut as a minor league player with the Appleton Foxes and was promoted to the major leagues later in the season. On July 8, Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop. In August, The Mariners optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Calgary.
1995: Split Season Between Mariners and Rainiers
In 1995, Alex Rodriguez split most of the season between the Seattle Mariners and the Tacoma Rainiers. 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.
1995: First AL player from outside the AL West to win the award since 1995
In 2005, Rodriguez won his second AL MVP Award and became the first AL player from outside the AL West to win the award since Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox won in 1995.
1996: Became the Mariners' Starting Shortstop
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: A-Rod Corp Foundation
In 1996, Alex Rodriguez founded A-Rod Corp, a holding company.
1997: Hit for the Cycle and All-Star Selection
In 1997, Alex Rodriguez batted .300 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. He hit for the cycle on June 5, becoming the second Mariner to accomplish the feat. He was voted by fans to start the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team.
1998: Set AL Record for Home Runs by a Shortstop
In 1998, Alex Rodriguez set the AL record for home runs by a shortstop, joined the 40-40 club, won his second Silver Slugger Award, and was selected as Players Choice AL Player of the Year.
1999: Performance in 1999 Season
In 1999, Alex Rodriguez had a .310 average, 42 home runs, and 111 RBIs. At the time, he was the youngest-ever player to record 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases.
2000: Became a Free Agent and Signed with the Rangers
After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez became a free agent and signed with the Texas Rangers for a 10-year deal worth $252 million.
2000: Produced Great Numbers, Lost to Yankees
In 2000, Alex Rodriguez produced great numbers, hitting 41 home runs with 132 RBIs and a .316 batting average. He hit well in the playoffs as well, but Seattle lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series (ALCS).
2000: End of Mariners career
In 2000, Alex Rodriguez's career with the Seattle Mariners came to an end.
2001: Top offensive season for a shortstop
In 2001, Alex Rodriguez had a top offensive season as a shortstop, leading the AL with 52 home runs, 133 runs scored, and 393 total bases. He also started 161 games at shortstop and one as the DH, the only major league player to start all of his team's games that year.
2001: Joined Texas Rangers
In 2001, Alex Rodriguez joined the Texas Rangers, continuing his MLB career.
2002: Major league-best 57 home runs, 142 RBIs and 389 total bases
In 2002, Alex Rodriguez achieved a major league-best of 57 home runs, 142 RBIs and 389 total bases and won his first Gold Glove Award.
2003: Texas set out to part ways with Rodriguez
Following the 2003 season, Texas sought to trade Rodriguez due to his expensive contract. The Rangers named him team captain during that off-season.
2003: A-Rod Corp's First Investments
In 2003, A-Rod Corp, founded in 1996, began making its first investments in technology, real estate, wellness, and entertainment industries.
2003: Donation to University of Miami
In 2003, Alex Rodriguez gave $3.9 million to the University of Miami to renovate its baseball stadium, which was renamed "Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field".
2003: Won First AL MVP Award
In 2003, Alex Rodriguez won his first AL MVP Award while playing for the Texas Rangers.
2003: End of Rangers Career
In 2003, Alex Rodriguez's career with the Texas Rangers came to an end.
2003: Rodriguez's last year with the Rangers
In 2003, Rodriguez played his last year with the Rangers and led the AL in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award and became the youngest player to hit 300 homers, also winning his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award.
February 15, 2004: Rodriguez traded to the Yankees
On February 15, 2004, the 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 and changed his uniform number to 13 to honor Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.
2004: "Honorary Alumnus" title
Alex Rodriguez was named an "honorary alumnus" of the University of Miami in 2004.
2004: Traded to the Yankees
Before the 2004 season, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees and converted to third baseman to accommodate Derek Jeter.
2004: Yankees Lost Payments from Rangers due to Rodriguez's Opt-Out
Due to Rodriguez's opt-out from his contract, the Yankees lost $21.3 million in remaining payments from the Rangers as part of their agreement from the 2004 trade.
2005: Named AL MVP
In 2005, Alex Rodriguez was named AL MVP as a member of the New York Yankees.
2005: Youngest player in MLB history to reach the 400 home run mark
In 2005, Rodriguez led the AL with 124 runs and 48 home runs and became the youngest player in MLB history to reach the 400 home run mark.
July 21, 2006: 2,000th hit and 450th home run
On July 21, 2006, Alex Rodriguez recorded his 2,000th hit, which was also his 450th home run. He became the youngest player in baseball history to reach 450 home runs.
2006: Played for the U.S. in the 2006 World Baseball Classic
Prior to the 2006 season, Alex Rodriguez played for the U.S. in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
2007: Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award
Despite not having attended the school, Alex Rodriguez received the University of Miami's Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award in 2007 as an honorary alumnus.
2007: Career year in 2007
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez had a career year, becoming the first player in major league history to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in 10 consecutive seasons, leading the AL in multiple categories and winning his third Babe Ruth Home Run Award.
2007: Opted out of contract and signed new deal
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees after the season and then signed a new 10-year, $275 million deal with the team.
2007: Rodriguez one of four AL batters with at least 18 home runs and 18 stolen bases.
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez was one of only four batters in the AL to have at least 18 home runs and 18 stolen bases, along with Torii Hunter, Ian Kinsler, and Grady Sizemore.
2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez's 10-year contract was expiring, and he opted out, becoming a free agent. Despite expressing his desire to stay with the Yankees, his agent announced he would not renew the contract due to uncertainty about the team's future. This decision cost the Yankees $21.3 million and drew criticism from fans and MLB officials, who viewed it as a selfish move.
September 3, 2008: Rodriguez hits 549th home run
On September 3, 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit his 549th home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. The play was reviewed using instant replay for the first time in MLB history to confirm the umpire's ruling.
2008: Newport Property Construction Founding
In 2008, Alex Rodriguez founded Newport Property Construction, a real-estate development firm.
2009: Won World Series with Yankees
In 2009, Alex Rodriguez helped the Yankees win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies, marking Rodriguez's only championship title.
2009: Rodriguez wins World Series with Yankees and Babe Ruth Award
In 2009, Alex Rodriguez won the World Series with the Yankees against the Phillies, hitting a home run in Game 3 that was initially ruled a double. He also drove in the go-ahead run in Game 4. He was named the Babe Ruth Award winner as the postseason MVP, batting .365 with six home runs and 18 RBI.
2009: Rodriguez contributes key hits in the ALDS and ALCS
In the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota, Alex Rodriguez had two RBI singles in Game 1 and hit a game-tying homer in Game 2. In the ALCS, he hit a game-tying home run in Game 2 against the Angels. He batted .429 with three home runs in the ALCS.
2009: Exceptional postseason performance
In the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez had a .365 batting average and hit six home runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.
August 4, 2010: Rodriguez hits his 600th career home run
On August 4, 2010, Alex Rodriguez hit his 600th career home run off Shaun Marcum of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the youngest player in MLB history to reach this milestone at 35 years and 8 days old.
2010: Donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
In 2010, Alex Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, building a state-of-the-art educational center for students.
2010: Rodriguez appeared in a Pepsi Cola commercial
In 2010, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Pepsi Cola commercial as a truck driver simulating a baseball game, told he had a future in beverage delivery.
2011: Representation by Dan Lozano
In 2011, Alex Rodriguez was represented by sports agent Dan Lozano.
June 12, 2012: Rodriguez ties Lou Gehrig's grand slam record
On June 12, 2012, Alex Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam against the Atlanta Braves, tying Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.
2012: Monument Capital Management Founding
In 2012, Alex Rodriguez founded Monument Capital Management, which has acquired more than $1 billion of real estate assets in 16 states.
2012: Energy Fitness Gym Chain Creation
In 2012, Alex Rodriguez partnered with Mark Mastrov to create the Energy Fitness gym chain in Mexico City.
July 2, 2013: Rodriguez plays first rehab assignment game
On July 2, 2013, Alex Rodriguez played his first rehab assignment game with the Yankees' Class-A Low affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs.
2013: Rodriguez returns to Yankees and faces suspension
In 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees on August 5, the same day MLB announced he would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. He also hit his first home run of the season on August 11 and passed Stan Musial for fifth place in career RBIs.
2013: End of first Yankees career
In 2013, Alex Rodriguez's first stint with the New York Yankees came to an end.
2013: Rodriguez breaks grand slam record.
On September 20, 2013, at Yankee Stadium, Alex Rodriguez hit his 24th career grand slam, breaking the all-time grand slam record formerly held by Lou Gehrig. For the 2013 season, Rodriguez played in only 44 games batting .244 with seven home runs and 19 RBI.
January 11, 2014: Suspension Upheld
On January 11, 2014, the arbitration process upheld Alex Rodriguez's suspension, effectively reducing it to 162 games for the 2014 regular-season schedule.
February 7, 2014: Lawsuit Abandonment
On February 7, 2014, Alex Rodriguez announced his decision to abandon his lawsuit and accept the suspension for the 2014 season.
2014: Mercedes-Benz Dealership Sold
In 2014, Alex Rodriguez sold a Mercedes-Benz dealership in League City, Texas, to Group 1 Automotive.
2014: Suspension for PED Policy Violation
In 2014, Alex Rodriguez was suspended by MLB from August 8 through the end of the 2014 season for violating the league's PED policy, totaling 211 regular-season games plus any postseason games.
2015: Rejoined New York Yankees
In 2015, Alex Rodriguez rejoined the New York Yankees, continuing his MLB career.
2015: Rodriguez reports to spring training
In 2015, Alex Rodriguez reported to New York Yankees' spring training camp three days early. Girardi planned to play Rodriguez at first base during spring training to assess whether he could be played there, a first for his career.
August 12, 2016: Played Final Game
On August 12, 2016, Alex Rodriguez played his final game in professional baseball.
2016: Rodriguez to retire, Yankees to sign him as advisor
In 2016, Alex Rodriguez announced his retirement from the Yankees and was offered a contract to remain with the organization as a special instructor and advisor through 2017.
2016: Investment in NRG Esports
In 2016, Alex Rodriguez invested in NRG Esports alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Jimmy Rollins.
2016: End of career with New York Yankees
In 2016, Alex Rodriguez's career with the New York Yankees came to an end.
2016: Fox Sports MLB studio show wins Sports Emmy Award
In 2016, Fox Sports' MLB studio show, featuring Alex Rodriguez as an analyst, won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show.
January 2017: Rodriguez will not play for any other team
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 Rodriguez will host show Back in the Game
In January 2017, CNBC announced that Alex Rodriguez would host the show Back in the Game.
2017: A-Rod Corp's Fitness Center Rights Acquisition and Investments
In 2017, A-Rod Corp gained the rights to develop UFC-branded fitness centers across southern Florida, purchased a major equity stake in TruFusion, and invested in Dirty Lemon.
2017: Donation to University's School of Business Administration
In 2017, Alex Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $500,000 to the University of Miami's School of Business Administration.
2017: Rodriguez becomes guest judge on Shark Tank and signs with ABC News
In 2017, Alex Rodriguez became a guest judge on Shark Tank and signed a deal with ABC News to contribute to ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and Nightline.
2017: Rodriguez's contract as advisor
In 2017, Alex Rodriguez was contracted to remain with the Yankees organization as a special instructor and advisor.
2017: Fox Sports MLB studio show wins Sports Emmy Award again
In 2017, Fox Sports' MLB studio show, featuring Alex Rodriguez as an analyst, won another Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show.
January 2018: Joined Sunday Night Baseball Broadcast Team
In January 2018, ESPN announced that Alex Rodriguez would be joining the broadcast team of Sunday Night Baseball.
March 2018: Back in the Game debuts on CNBC
In March 2018, the first episode of Back in the Game, hosted by Alex Rodriguez, debuted on CNBC.
2018: A-Rod Corp's Investment in Petros Pace Finance
In 2018, A-Rod Corp invested in Petros Pace Finance, a financier of green development.
2018: Rodriguez joins ESPN as Sunday Night Baseball analyst
In 2018, Alex Rodriguez joined ESPN as a Sunday Night Baseball analyst.
2018: Co-Creation of The Corp Podcast
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 Prepared Meals to Tennessee Students
In October 2019, Alex Rodriguez, along with Jennifer Lopez, donated a year of prepared meals to Tennessee elementary students.
November 2019: A four-episode series of Back in the Game debuted
In November 2019, a four-episode series of Back in the Game, hosted by Alex Rodriguez, debuted and featured Evander Holyfield, Ryan Lochte, Brian Dunkleman, and Nicole Eggert.
2019: Representation by Jon Rosen
As of 2019, Alex Rodriguez is represented by Jon Rosen of WME/IMG.
2019: Investments in Bungalow, Acorns, Sonder, and Density
In 2019, A-Rod Corp invested in the co-living startup Bungalow, Acorns, and Sonder, as well as Density, a technology company specializing in people counting. Also in 2019, Rodriguez partnered with Jennifer Lopez and telehealth company Hims and Hers to provide affordable healthcare.
2019: Rodriguez featured in a 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.
January 2020: Chairman of Presidente Beer
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 April 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez donated 20,000 prepared meals to help hospitality workers in the Miami area who had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Failed New York Mets Bid
In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez were leading a group of investors bidding on the New York Mets, but the bid failed despite moving to the second stage.
July 2020: Rodriguez joins the judging panel for Forbes Next 1000 list
In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez was announced as part of the judging panel for the Forbes Next 1000 list.
2020: Rodriguez featured in Presidente beer and Hard Rock Super Bowl commercials
In 2020, during Super Bowl LIV, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Presidente beer commercial, as well as a Hard Rock ad which also featured Jennifer Lopez.
2021: Agreement to Purchase Minnesota Timberwolves
In 2021, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore agreed to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association.
2021: Rodriguez teams up with Hims to launch a make-up line for men
In 2021, Alex Rodriguez partnered with cosmetics company Hims to launch a line of make-up for men, starting with a concealer stick, with his ex, Jennifer Lopez, as a co-investor.
2022: Rodriguez appeared in The Captain
In 2022, Alex Rodriguez appeared in The Captain, a miniseries about Derek Jeter's life and career, where he and Jeter discussed their friendship rift.
2022: Rodriguez appears in DirecTV commercial
In 2022, Alex Rodriguez appeared in a DirecTV commercial with David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr., and Randy Johnson.
2022: Rodriguez moves to ESPN2 simulcast
In the 2022 season, Alex Rodriguez moved to a simulcast on ESPN2, co-hosting with Michael Kay.
2024: Payment Missed for Timberwolves Purchase
In 2024, then-owner Glen Taylor said that Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore missed a payment to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the team was no longer for sale.
June 2025: Minnesota Timberwolves Purchase Completion
The purchase of the Minnesota Timberwolves by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, valuing the team at $1.5 billion, was completed in June 2025.
2025: Alex vs ARod Documentary series
In 2025, Alex Rodriguez will be the subject of the documentary series Alex vs ARod.
2025: Value of Rodriguez's 2007 contract in 2025 dollars
On November 15, 2007, the Yankees and Rodriguez agreed on the "basic framework" of a 10-year, $275 million contract (equivalent to $514 million in 2025).
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