“I’m a Big Boy” – Alex Rodriguez Once Stopped Expecting More From Frenemy Derek Jeter During a Difficult Time in His MLB Career

Alex Rodriguez is one of the most loved and hated players in baseball history. Rodriguez is without a doubt one of the greatest players in the history of baseball. As Rodriguez put up crazy numbers, he signed the most expensive contract in MLB history twice. This made A-Rod a target for hate whenever he put up bad performances, even if it happened very rarely.

This was especially true during his time with the New York Yankees during their Championship drought. Him performing poorly in the postseason didn’t sit well with Yankees fans. And this was compounded with the fact that he was the highest paid MLB player. This led to him being booed and getting a suggestion from a former Yankee.

Alex Rodriguez rejected former Yankee Darryl Strawberry’s suggestion

According to an ESPN report, former Yankee Darryl Strawberry spoke out on the ‘A-Rod’ situation during the 2007 offseason. Strawberry said that Derek Jeter needed to ’embrace’ Rodriguez and support him during the tough parts of the season. A-Rod responded, saying that he didn’t need support and that he could handle the pressure on his own.

Alex Rodriguez said, “I’m a big boy. I’m 31 years old now, so I should be able to help myself out there,” he said. “I care about what he thinks about me on the field. I think it’s important for us to be on the right page. And we are. We’re here to win a championship together.” 

Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter were very close friends early on in their careers. This all changed when A-Rod made negative comments about Jeter in an interview and said Jeter wasn’t a leader. Although the two were still friends after, it changed from a brotherhood type closeness to a professional relationship.

Read More: Former Arch-Enemies Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter Once Talked About the Time ‘A-Rod’ Changed His Position From Shortstop to Third Baseman

Yankees teammates said that A-Rod’s and Jeter’s relationship was never a problem and they were fine in the locker room. Jeter and Rodriguez did eventually win a World Series together with the Yankees in 2009.

Have A-Rod and Jeter remained friends after retirement?

Although the two may not be as close as they once were, Jeter and A-Rod seem to be on better terms today. The two have seemingly buried the hatchet from their playing days and moved on. It was unfortunate that their relationship soured over what was an unfortunate interview.

Watch this story: “I’m having Tom Brady talk to her” : MLB legend Alex ‘A-rod’ Rodriguez recruits legendary QB to help his eldest daughter make an important life decision

Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez were inseparable at one point and had a special friendship. Do you think that A-Rod and Jeter can recover the special friendship they once had?