Alex Rodriguez doesn’t expect an invite back to Yankee Stadium

Alex Rodriguez has already accepted the fact that he probably won’t make the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he similarly doesn’t expect to be honored by the New York Yankees.

Michael Kay recently lamented that fans didn’t show up for Old-Timers’ Day this season. Fans, however, pushed back to note that Derek Jeter similarly did not show up. And when Rodriguez recently appeared on Jimmy Traina’s newly launched The Traina Thoughts Podcast for Underscore Media, the MLB on Fox analyst was asked whether he would be willing to attend a future Old-Timers’ Day.

“I don’t think I’ll get invited back,” Rodriguez bluntly stated about a possible return to Yankee Stadium. “So, I don’t have a choice.”

Rodriguez added that his relationship with the Yankees has improved from its more tumultuous era, which featured a PED suspension and lawsuits against the team’s physician and MLB.

“I always want to be part of the Yankees. I love the Yankees. I love the fans. I love being part of the organization,” Rodriguez insisted. “I don’t know what happened with Derek. Anytime the Yankees would invite me back, it would be an absolute pleasure to be back.”

Rodriguez officially reconciled with the Seattle Mariners earlier this summer, returning for their 50th anniversary celebration. Similarly, Rodriguez attended Old-Timers’ Day in 2024 when they celebrated the 15th anniversary of their 2009 World Series. But that seems to be the only time Rodriguez has been invited back to Yankee Stadium.

A few years ago, Rodriguez alleged the Yankees haven’t honored him by retiring his No. 13 because he’s too willing to be critical of the franchise on TV. Rodriguez definitely has been critical of the Yankees and their front office at times. But the Yankees haven’t refrained from honoring Rodriguez because he works with Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Kevin Burkhardt on Fox. They’ve refrained from honoring Rodriguez because he was one of the most controversial figures in New York baseball history.

Still, time heals all wounds, and Rodriguez did win two MVPs and a World Series for the Yankees. Maybe he won’t get his No. 13 retired, but a bobblehead and an annual invite to Old-Timers’ Day seem doable.