Despite his complicated past, Alex Rodriguez is a superstar. A certain Hall of Fame entry until 2009, his career took a strange turn when the truth of the early 2000s and drugs came out. Then again in 2013, the Biogenesis scandal wrought havoc upon his reputation, forever staining it. Cooperstown now seems like a distant dream, and so does another honor – jersey retirement. But MLB’s denial of his honor has not turned him bitter yet.

Rodriguez played for three league giants – Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. And while all three franchises have celebrated the retired slugger in their own ways, none have retired his number. Nevertheless, as the Yankees’ crosstown rivals, the Mets get ready to honor two of their own, A-Rod is extending hearty congratulations to them.

Alex Rodriguez Congrats Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden

The New York Mets have been nothing but disastrous this season, especially given their top payroll. However, billionaire owner Steve Cohen is already looking forward to the next year and just announced huge news. The jerseys of Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, a massive part of the last Mets World Series win in 1986, will be retired in separate ceremonies in 2024. Among the first to congratulate them was Alex Rodriguez.

When one thinks of Strawberry and Gooden, one might remember the spectacular ways their careers fizzled out. Both affected by drugs, their time with the Mets was among the last of good times. Strawberry was suspended by the team for testing positive for cocaine tests, twice, and was even found in possession of the drug once. Gooden, meanwhile, received multiple suspensions from MLB for violating his drug aftercare program.

Nevertheless, the duo’s performances were something to behold before their personal troubles caught up to them. Valuable to the Mets, Cohen has now decided to honor their jersey numbers 18 and 16, respectively, next year. Congratulating them, Alex Rodriguez reposted the official team announcement to his story, writing “Two absolute greats.” But what about his own honor?

Will the New York Yankees Ever Retire Alex Rodriguez’s Jersey Number?

A-Rod may have played for three teams but he is best known for his time in New York. It was full of the most bizarre accomplishments but also rife with drama. In Pinstripes, Rodriguez won a World Series, two MVP awards, seven All-Star selections, and three Silver Slugger awards.

READ MORE – MLB Great Alex Rodriguez Reveals How Grave Mistake That “Cost Me the Hall of Fame” Can Still Help Redeem Himself

But also in New York, the former slugger faced MLB’s biggest suspension and was labeled controversial for his playing behavior.

Will the Yankees want to immortalize him in their history more than he already has been? Many think it’s unlikely but, well, only time will tell. Did his stellar play make more noise than his personal drama?

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