“…Use of a Private Jet”: Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez’s List of Demands to New York Mets Would’ve Even Put Derek Jeter to Shame

There was a time when every MLB manager wanted Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez to play for their team. And why not? Given his career record, A-Rod has been a top player for every MLB franchise he has played for.

Mainly known for his memorable years at the New York Yankees, once, A-Rod almost signed for the New York Mets. But his destiny had different plans for him, and the MLB legend did not get a chance to play for his dream team. 

Yes! Many people might not know, but A-Rod was on the verge of signing for the other New York team. But his then-agent, Scott Boras, put some non-negotiable demands that made the Mets let go of a generational talent.

What were the demands of Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez to sign for the Mets?

During the General Manager meetings of November 2000, ace MLB agent Scott Boras offered Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez to the New York Mets. Even after knowing that A-Rod wanted to play for the Mets, Boras put some impossible demands on the table to the Mets’ GM, Steve Phillips.

Per ESPN, Boras asked for a private jet and more billboards than the Yankees captain, Derek Jeter. “The list included a Shea Stadium office, a marketing staff, a merchandise tent at spring training, a luxury box, use of a private jet, and more billboards than Jeter could count,” said the report.

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Not to forget that the Mets were coming off a World Series loss against the New York Yankees. And Derek Jeter was the MVP in the five-game series.

Eventually, A-Rod ended up signing for the Texas Rangers for a whopping $252 million. But this deal did not work for either party, and A-Rod signed for the Pinstripes in the 2004 off-season.

What if A-Rod had signed for the Mets?

Alex Rodriguez had a childhood fantasy to play for the New York Mets. Had he signed for the Mets, the current scenario would have been way different from it is now. One can say that, in the presence of Derek Jeter, A-Rod could not establish himself as the face of the team.

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As a player, he was top class but was always overshadowed by Jetter’s leadership in the Yankees locker room. Jeter was a fan favorite for the Yankees. Had A-Rod signed on the papers for the Mets, he might have been a Mets legend.

Do you think A-Rod made a mistake by not signing for the Mets in 2000?