In a recent episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez sat down with Jay Williams and Jason Kelly to discuss a pivotal moment in his life—the 2014 suspension from baseball. With a reflective tone, A-Rod shared how that challenging period became a turning point for him. He talked about the initial shock and the emotional toll it took, and later, also admitted that it was tough to face the public scrutiny. But rather than allowing it to define him, Alex decided to pivot.

Rodriguez dove into his journey of self-reinvention, highlighting what made him get going. The Deal is a podcast where hosts Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez and Jason Kelly dive into topics like investing, strategy, and personal reinvention. In that heartfelt moment, Rodriguez opened up about the deep struggles he faced during his suspension, candidly noting, “My whole world kind of fell apart.”

It was a raw admission which highlighted just how overwhelming that period was for him. A-Rod further revealed that he’s done over 12 years of therapy and continues to prioritize mental health, emphasizing how crucial that journey has been in rebuilding his life. He shared the fear of starting over at nearly 40, saying, “I felt like I was below ground zero.” But despite the daunting challenge, he believed he had more to give, another chapter to write.  

“I was too young to just give up,” he stated, capturing that relentless drive that defined his career. A-Rod also spoke about his commitment to giving back, especially to kids who might not have the support he had. “I feel like I have a lot to offer for those kids to at least learn from my mistakes,” he explained. It was a powerful reminder that his journey wasn’t just about personal redemption but also about making a positive impact on others. This mission to inspire and mentor was really the heart of his comeback story.  

Alex Rodriguez’s strong comments in support of the Yankees  

During a recent segment on MLB on FOX, Alex Rodriguez didn’t hold back when discussing the ALCS matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees. After his former teammate Derek Jeter offered a more measured analysis, pointing out the Yankees’ strong record against AL Central teams, A-Rod took a bolder stance. “(The Yankees) have an easy road to the World Series,” he declared, showcasing his confidence in the Yankees’ chances.  

Many MLB fans view the Guardians as the underdogs in their series against the Yankees. The stark contrast in team payroll speaks volumes: the Yankees sit at just over $309 million, making them the second-highest payroll in baseball, right behind the New York Mets. This financial advantage often translates to a deeper roster and more star power, which adds to the perception of the Yankees as heavy favorites. While the Guardians have proven they can compete with heart and determination, the disparity in resources certainly puts them at a disadvantage.  

That said, the Guardians are a talented baseball team, especially when their offense generates enough runs to let their elite bullpen take over. First-year manager Stephen Vogt has some added motivation to inspire his players ahead of the ALCS. They have the opportunity to make A-Rod eat his words and prove to the Yankees—and the rest of the league—that they belong among the American League’s best teams.