Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are a dynamic duo in the baseball world. During his career, the former won fans’ hearts with his unwavering commitment to succeeding with the New York Yankees. In comparison, the latter is more of a controversial figure in the city due to his history with PEDs. In November last year, a renowned MLB expert revealed that Jeter crushed A-Rod in popularity in New York. 

Jeter being more popular may not be surprising, given his icon status in the Bronx. But the gulf between the two is so shocking, considering that Rodriguez won a championship in pinstripes. But this top insider gave his well-sought-after thoughts on the topic candidly. 

Per Ian O’Connor, Derek Jeter trumps A-Rod in New York

Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez had very different careers in MLB. Jeter was a serial winner, and A-Rod spent much of his career chasing statistical glory. But their careers met in New York when Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004. In November last year, top MLB expert Ian O’Connor compared the dynamic duo’s popularity in New York while appearing on “The Colin Cowherd Podcast.” According to O’Connor, it is night and day, with Jeter beating A-Rod entirely. 

During the podcast, O’Connor said, “He should have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But the fact is he used PEDs for, I would think a significant percentage of his career, if not most of it. And, the evidence is there that that’s the case. So, comparing him to Jeter, who is looked at anyway, as the representative of the non-PED superstar. I think most New Yorkers would tell you it’s night and day. That, even though A-Rod did help the Yankees win a championship, Jeter, of course, helped them win 5, and there was never any hint of PED use in his career certainly. So, I just think, they’re on different planets in New York, you said nationally, but I think in the city as well.”

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What further ruins A-Rod’s chances of being more popular is his dynamic with Jeter. The two had a close bond, like brothers that A-Rod’s controversial statements has destroyed. Although they have buried the hatchet since then, the friendship will never be the same. In a recent turn of events, A-Rod stood by Jeter as he achieved a significant milestone in his career.

A-Rod helped Jeter break into his new role

Alex helped Derek get through his debut as an MLB analyst. The two covered the MLB London Series together, with Jeter making his first official appearance. Together, A-Rod and David Ortiz helped the former Yankees’ captain get through it. Fans were excited to see Jeter in a new avatar, even though a top commentator had his criticisms. It was a new dynamic for A-Rod and his former teammate as they slowly rebuilt their relationship. 

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Despite recovering his image, Derek Jeter trumps Alex Rodriguez in popularity. What do you think of the thoughts shared by Ian O’Connor on the matter?