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. He played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees over 22 seasons. Once a highly touted prospect, he's considered one of baseball's greatest players. Currently, Rodriguez is the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, chairman of Presidente beer, and owns a controlling interest in the Minnesota Timberwolves. His career combines success on the field with entrepreneurial ventures.

Sections (6)

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

1900: Youngest Starting Shortstop

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

1978: Youngest Major League Player

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, just the third 18-year-old major league shortstop since 1900 and the first 18-year-old major league player since 1978.

1993: Tryout for National Baseball Team

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez became the first high school player to try out for the United States national baseball team.

1993: Signed Contract with Mariners

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez signed a three-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

1993: MLB Draft

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

July 8, 1994: MLB Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop.

1994: Seattle Mariners Debut

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

1995: Mariners Roster

In 1995, Alex Rodriguez split most of the season between the Mariners and the Tacoma Rainiers and permanently joined the Mariners roster in August.

1996: Mariners Starting Shortstop

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez became the Mariners' starting shortstop and won the major league batting title.

1996: A-Rod Corp founded

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

1997: All-Star Game at Shortstop

In 1997, Alex Rodriguez started the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team.

1998: 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.

2000: Free Agency and Signing with Texas Rangers

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez became a free agent and eventually signed with the Texas Rangers.

2000: Departure from Mariners

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez left the Seattle Mariners via free agency.

2000: End of Time With Seattle Mariners

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez's time with the Seattle Mariners concluded. Following this season, he would become a free agent.

2001: Rodriguez admits to Steroid Use

Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003, buying an unidentified drug over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic.

2001: Joined Texas Rangers

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez joined the Texas Rangers, continuing his MLB career.

2001: Rodriguez leads the league

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez led the American League with 52 home runs, 133 runs scored, and 393 total bases. He set Rangers club records for homers, runs, total bases, and hit by pitches, establishing himself as a dominant offensive force and the only major league player to start all of his team's games.

2001: Admission of Banned Substance Use

In an interview, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from 2001 to 2003, citing pressure to perform. He claimed his time in New York had been clean and expressed regret for his actions.

2002: Rodriguez finishes top-10 in the AL MVP voting

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

2002: Rodriguez leads the major league

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez led the major leagues with 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, and 389 total bases. He also won his first Gold Glove Award, recognizing his outstanding defensive performance.

2003: Rodriguez admits to Steroid Use

Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003, buying an unidentified drug over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic.

2003: Trade with the Boston Red Sox

Following the 2003 season, The Rangers agreed to a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending Rodriguez to Boston, but the Major League Baseball Players Association vetoed the deal because it called for a voluntary reduction in salary by Rodriguez.

2003: A-Rod Corp makes first investments

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

2003: End of Time With Texas Rangers

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

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 renamed "Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field".

2003: Potential Failed Drug Test

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez had a potential failed drug test. He was later informed in August 2004 that he "may or may not have" failed his drug test.

2003: Rodriguez leads the American League

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez led the American League in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage. He also won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award and became the youngest player to hit 300 homers.

2003: Rodriguez takes responsibility

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez took responsibility for his mistakes. Friend and former teammate Doug Glanville berated Rodriguez's critics for their "lack of outrage about how a confidential and anonymous test could be made public."

2003: Admission of Banned Substance Use

In an interview, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from 2001 to 2003, citing pressure to perform. He stated that he last took them following a spring training injury in 2003 while playing for the Rangers and expressed regret for his actions.

February 15, 2004: Rodriguez is traded to the Yankees

On February 15, 2004, the Texas Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for Alfonso Soriano and Joaquin Arias. Rodriguez agreed to switch from shortstop to third base, and changed his uniform number to 13 in honor of Dan Marino.

August 2004: Tip from MLBPA

In August 2004, Alex Rodriguez stated that he was told by Gene Orza of the MLBPA that he "may or may not have" failed his 2003 drug test.

September 2004: Accusation of Tipped Drug Test

In September 2004, Gene Orza of the MLBPA was accused by three unnamed MLB players of tipping Alex Rodriguez to an upcoming drug test.

2004: Yankees lost payments from the Rangers due to A-Rod opting out

Because of Alex Rodriguez's opt-out, the Yankees also lost $21.3 million in remaining payments from the Rangers as part of their agreement from the 2004 trade.

2004: Trade to Yankees

Before the 2004 season, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees and converted to a third baseman.

2004: Rodriguez struggles with runners on base in the postseason

Dating back to Game 4 of the 2004 AL Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez had batted with 38 runners on base over a span of 61 postseason at-bats and had not brought any of them in, going 0-for-29 with runners on base.

2004: Rodriguez performs well against the Twins

In the 2004 ALDS, Alex Rodriguez hit .421 against the Minnesota Twins. His first season with the Yankees culminated in a dramatic playoff series against the Boston Red Sox.

2005: Rodriguez leads the American League

In 2005, Alex Rodriguez led the American League with 124 runs and 48 home runs. He also established a franchise record for most home runs in a single season by a right-handed batter.

2005: Rodriguez won second AL MVP Award

In 2005, Rodriguez won his second AL MVP Award in three seasons, becoming the fifth player to win this award with two different teams. He was also named the shortstop on the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team.

July 21, 2006: Rodriguez gets 2,000th hit

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: Rodriguez's performance in 2006

For the 2006 season, Rodriguez finished fourth in the league in RBI (121), fifth in runs scored (113), eighth in home runs (35) and walks (90), and ninth in OBP (.392). It was perceived as one of his lesser-accomplished seasons.

October 28, 2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

On October 28, 2007, Alex Rodriguez's agent announced that he would not renew his contract with the Yankees, citing concerns about the team's future. This decision led to criticism due to its timing during the World Series and the lack of prior communication with Yankee management.

November 15, 2007: Rodriguez and Yankees agree to contract

On November 15, 2007, Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed on the framework of a 10-year, $275 million contract, with incentives for breaking home run milestones. This agreement ensured he would continue playing for the Yankees until he was 42.

2007: Rodriguez's Record-Breaking Season

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

2007: Opted Out of Contract

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees and then signed a new 10-year deal and became the youngest player to hit 500 home runs.

2008: Newport Property Construction founded

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, Alex Rodriguez set an American League record for most RBIs by a batter in a single inning with seven, achieving his 12th consecutive season with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.

2009: Performed exceptionally well in the postseason

Alex Rodriguez significantly improved his postseason performance in 2009, achieving a .365 batting average and hitting six home runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.

2009: Received positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson

Following his performance in the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez started receiving many positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson, even being selected as "Mr. October" by Jackson and USA Today.

2009: Rodriguez wins World Series and Babe Ruth Award

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees won the World Series against the Phillies. Rodriguez was named the Babe Ruth Award winner as the postseason MVP, batting .365 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. In Game 3, his double was reviewed and ruled a home run. In Game 4, Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run.

2009: World Series Win

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez helped the New York Yankees win the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

2009: Rodriguez hits two RBI singles and two game-tying home runs during the ALDS and ALCS.

In the first game of the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota, Alex Rodriguez hit two RBI singles. In Game 2, he hit an RBI single and a game-tying home run. In Game 3, he hit another game-tying home run. In the ALCS, Rodriguez hit his third game-tying home run of the postseason in Game 2.

August 4, 2010: Rodriguez hits his 600th home run

On August 4, 2010, Alex Rodriguez hit his 600th home run, becoming the seventh player in major league history to reach this milestone and the youngest to do so at 35 years and 8 days old.

2010: Rodriguez Reportedly Received HGH

Between 2010 and 2012, Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic.

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

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

2010: Appeared in Pepsi Cola commercial

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Pepsi Cola commercial as a truck driver in a fleet of delivery trucks simulating players in a baseball game.

2011: Representation by Dan Lozano

As of 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, tying Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.

2012: Rodriguez Reportedly Received HGH

Between 2010 and 2012, Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic.

2012: Rodriguez struggles in the 2012 Postseason

During the 2012 postseason, Alex Rodriguez struggled and was frequently removed for a pinch hitter and did not start multiple games. The Yankees were ultimately eliminated by the Tigers in the 2012 ALCS.

2012: Monument Capital Management Founded

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.

July 2, 2013: Rodriguez begins rehab assignment

On July 2, 2013, Alex Rodriguez played his first rehab assignment game with the Charleston RiverDogs, the Yankees Class-A Low affiliate.

August 3, 2013: MLB rebuffs players' union offer

On August 3, 2013, MLB rejected the players' union's offer to negotiate and gave Rodriguez until August 4 to reach an agreement regarding a suspension or greater punishment for his role in the Biogenesis affair.

2013: Played in only 44 games

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

2013: End of First Stint With New York Yankees

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez's first stint with the New York Yankees came to an end.

January 11, 2014: Suspension upheld

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

February 7, 2014: Rodriguez accepts suspension

On February 7, 2014, Alex Rodriguez announced his decision to abandon his lawsuit and accept the suspension for the 2014 season.

November 2014: Admission to DEA

In November 2014, it was revealed that in the previous January, Alex Rodriguez had admitted to the Drug Enforcement Administration that he had used performance-enhancing drugs.

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 for the entire season

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension, previously announced but delayed, was upheld, leading to his suspension for the entire regular season and postseason. Also in 2014, it was announced he would no longer be an everyday third baseman and would serve as a designated hitter.

2014: MLB suspends Rodriguez

In 2014, MLB suspended Rodriguez from August 8 through the end of the 2014 season for violating the league's PED policy.

2015: Finished the season with 33 home runs

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez finished the season with 33 home runs, 86 RBI, and a .252 batting average. He led the Yankees in home runs and reached 30+ home runs for the 15th time in his career.

2015: Reported to Yankees' spring training

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez reported to the New York Yankees' spring training camp early. The team planned to experiment with him at first base during spring training to assess his ability to play there.

2015: Return to New York Yankees

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

April 17, 2016: Made 12,000 career plate appearances

On April 17, 2016, Alex Rodriguez became the 19th player to make 12,000 career plate appearances.

August 12, 2016: Final Game

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

2016: Announced final game for the Yankees

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez announced he would play his final game for the Yankees on August 12 against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees also planned to sign him to a contract through 2017 as a special instructor and advisor.

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 baseball career concluded with the New York Yankees.

2016: Won Sports Emmy Award with Fox Sports

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

January 2017: Remained as special advisor to Yankees owner

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: Hosting 'Back in the Game'

In January 2017, CNBC announced Alex Rodriguez would be the host of the show Back in the Game.

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2017: Acquisition of UFC-branded fitness centers

In 2017, A-Rod Corp gained the rights to develop UFC-branded fitness centers across southern Florida. A-Rod Corp purchased a major equity stake in TruFusion, a Las Vegas–based fitness studio chain, and invested in the beverage brand Dirty Lemon.

2017: Donation to University of Miami School of Business Administration

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

2017: Became guest judge on Shark Tank and contributor to ABC News

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez became a guest judge on Shark Tank and signed a deal with ABC News to serve as a contributor to ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and Nightline.

2017: Continued as special instructor and advisor

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez continued in the Yankees organization as a special instructor and advisor.

2017: Won back-to-back Sports Emmy Award with Fox Sports

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

January 2018: Joins Sunday Night Baseball

In January 2018, ESPN announced that Alex Rodriguez would be joining the broadcast team of Sunday Night Baseball.

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March 2018: Hosted show 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.

March 2018: 'Back in the Game' Debut

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

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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: Joined ESPN as Sunday Night Baseball analyst

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

2018: The Corp Podcast

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

October 2019: Donation to Tennessee elementary students

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

November 2019: Featured Evander Holyfield, Ryan Lochte, Brian Dunkleman, and Nicole Eggert on Back in the Game

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

2019: Representation by Jon Rosen

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

2019: Investments by A-Rod Corp

In 2019, A-Rod Corp invested in the co-living startup Bungalow, Acorns and Sonder Corp. Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez partnered with telehealth company Hims and Hers to provide affordable healthcare. Rodriguez also invested in Density, a technology company specializing in people counting.

2019: 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 him Peanuts instead.

2019: Nominated for an Emmy

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

January 2020: Chairman of Presidente

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 to hospitality workers in Miami

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

July 2020: Joined 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, focusing on entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.

July 2020: Bidding on New York Mets

In July 2020, Rodriguez and Lopez were leading a group of investors bidding on the New York Mets, but the bid failed.

2020: Featured in Presidente beer and Hard Rock Super Bowl commercials

In 2020, during Super Bowl LIV, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Presidente beer Super Bowl commercial, as well as a Hard Rock ad with Jennifer Lopez.

November 22, 2021: Nomination for National Baseball Hall of Fame

On November 22, 2021, Alex Rodriguez was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022.

2021: Teamed up with Hims to launch make-up for men

In 2021, Alex Rodriguez teamed up with cosmetics company Hims to launch a line of make-up for men, beginning with a concealer stick. His ex Jennifer Lopez is a co-investor.

2022: Moved to simulcast on ESPN2

During the 2022 season, Alex Rodriguez moved to a simulcast on ESPN2 that he co-hosts with Michael Kay.

2022: Appeared in The Captain

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

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2022: Appeared in DirecTV commercial

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

2022: Hall of Fame Eligibility

In 2022, Alex Rodriguez was up for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving a maximum of 35.7% of votes in his first three years of eligibility, short of the 75% threshold required for election.

2024: Contract Worth in 2024

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed with the Texas Rangers and the contract was at the time the most lucrative contract in sports history: a 10-year deal worth $252 million (equivalent to $460 million in 2024).