Alex Rodriguez?stunned the baseball world in 2004 when he joined the New York Yankees. It was a trade from the Texas Rangers, who had signed him to a $252 million record contract in 2000. The team wanted to dump his salary, and the Yankees happily took the deal, bringing in one of baseball?s biggest stars. 696 home run man Rodriguez once revealed the story behind the trade.

Previously, the Rangers had tried to trade him to the Red Sox, but that deal got vetoed. A-Rod once even talked about?what would have happened had he signed with the Boston Red Sox. But it did not go through, and he ended up on the Bronx Bombers, a life-changing move.

Alex Rodriguez Switched Positions to Win

Alex Rodriguez being traded to the Yankees was a surprise, seeing as Derek Jeter was the shortstop. But A-Rod gave up his position and switched to third base to facilitate the move. In the book The Yankee Years, Joe Torre, former Bombers manager, details the story behind the eventual trade.

At the time, the New York team needed a third baseman. GM Brian Cashman conveyed that detail to Scott Boras during a conversation. Post which, A-Rod and his agent Boras had a conversation about switching positions. And 24 hours later, the legendary shortstop agreed to play at third base.

In an official meeting between the Rangers and the Yankees, Boras brought up the matter. A-Rod agreed, to the shock of many present at the meeting, to switch positions, and 72 hours later, a deal was done.?

According to page 257, Rodriguez said about the move, ??Once Scott brought it to my attention, it made perfect sense,? Rodriguez said about moving to third base in order to be a Yankee. ?I began to think about the pinstripes. I felt the allure of the tradition and opportunity to win and asked myself, Why not do it????

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This led to one of the biggest trades in MLB history, as A-Rod had won the MVP the year before. It was a shocking move that the Yankees and Rodriguez seemed to win over the Rangers. Furthermore, it led to one of the most iconic achievements in the Bombers’ third baseman’s career.?

A-Rod Won a World Series in 2009

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez achieved the ultimate MLB glory. He won a World Series with the Yankees. Furthermore, he could shut down any fans that questioned his playoff prowess.

During the 2009 postseason, he played a significant role en route to the title. Rodriguez’s hitting was integral to the team’s success as he smashed some clutch home runs and hits, cementing his legacy in both the Yankees and baseball history.?

While giving up his prized shortstop position, Alex Rodriguez achieved his greatest career goal. What do you think of his massive move to New York and the story behind it?

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