Alex Rodriguez Once Called on NBA Icon Michael Jordan’s Greatness to Justify His Staggering $252 Million MLB Contract

Alex Rodriguez is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Furthermore, his immense talent and performance led to him being the highest-paid player in MLB history. A-Rod broke the record for the largest contract in MLB history twice. He did so first with the Texas Rangers and then with the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez signed a 10-year $252 million contract with the Rangers as a free agent in December 2000. At the time, it was the biggest contract in MLB history and A-Rod had all the right to be proud of it. But he once spoke openly about the contract and what it meant for him. 

Alex Rodriguez couldn’t believe the amount of money he was being paid

In December 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed his then record-breaking $252 million contract. Although many stars would have been proud and boasted about the achievement, A-Rod didn’t. In fact, the baseball legend opened up on his contract a couple of months later and was honestly shocked. Rodriguez couldn’t believe how much money he was being paid. He even stated that he couldn’t imagine Michael Jordan being paid this much money. But he was ready to work hard and earn every single penny of it. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, A-Rod said “I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would be making this type of money. Like I say, it’s almost embarrassing to talk about it. I don’t know if Michael Jordan or Bill Gates or Alexander the Great or anyone is worth this type of money. But that’s the market that we’re in today. That’s what Mr. Hicks decided to pay me and now it’s time to go pay him back and win him a few championships.”

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Rodriguez was determined to live up to his contract and try his best to win the Rangers a World Series. Unfortunately, that never came to fruition as A-Rod was traded to the Yankees in 2004, without winning a title for the Rangers. But he did achieve that dream with the Yankees. 

A-Rod won a title with the Yankees and cemented his legacy

Following his trade to the Yankees, A-Rod had some fantastic years with the team that culminated in him winning a World Series title. In 2009, he helped the Yankees win the Fall Classic and came up with some clutch hits. It was also with the Yankees that he broke the record he set with the Rangers when he signed for 10 years and $275 million.

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Rodriguez finished his career as the MLB’s highest-paid player and the highest-paid Dominican player as well. But he also finished his career as a world champion. What do you think of Alex Rodriguez’s words shortly after signing his record contract with the Rangers? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.