Alex Rodriguez, Yankees finally settle dispute over milestone bonus
Remember when New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez hit his 660th home run all the back on May 1? While it was a significant moment for Rodriguez, it wasn’t all smiles and sunshine.
The hit sparked a debate over whether Rodriguez would receive a “milestone” bonus in his contract. When Rodriguez re-signed with the Yankees, a clause was inserted in his contract that stated he would receive $6 million any time he tied a player on the all-time home run list. With his 660th home run, Rodriguez tied Willie Mays, making him eligible to receive his bonus.
Not so fast! Prior to the start of the season, it was reported that the Yankees would not pay his “milestone” bonus. The club no longer viewed Rodriguez’s accomplishments as significant due to his suspension and admission to taking performance enhancing drugs. Because of that, the club felt they did not have to pay the bonus.
After the hit, Rodriguez had until the end of the month to formally file a grievance through the Players Association. Both sides agreed to push back that deadline, and were eventually able to come to a solution Friday.
Rodriguez will not receive $6 million for tying Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. In fact, he won’t receive a penny according to the press release.
As part of this resolution, Mr. Rodriguez and the Yankees have agreed that a total of $3.5 million in charitable contributions will be made by the Club, with $1 million going to the following charities that have long enjoyed the support of one or both: the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa, and Pitch In For Baseball; and $2.5 million going to the MLB Urban Youth Foundation, which will use the money to further programs and initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation in baseball, particularly in urban areas. Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. will determine the initiatives to be supported by the $2.5 million contribution after consulting with Mr. Rodriguez, and taking into consideration the focus of Mr. Rodriguez’s past charitable contributions.
Neither party will have any further comment on the specific terms of the agreement and both look forward to focusing their energies on winning another championship for Yankees fans.
Deciding to give $3.5 million to charity isn’t a bad alternative. In fact, our own Mike Oz suggested A-Rod donate the money shortly after he reached the milestone. At the same time, it’s unclear why the donation isn’t the full $6 million.
There are some who believe the agreement reflects poorly on the Players Association.
That’s not just a hot take, either. The Yankees and the League come out looking pretty good when you consider the terms.
In the end, it’s unclear if A-Rod really had another option. Sure, he could have fought the Yankees tooth and nail for the bonus, but why reopen old wounds? He’s playing well, and the local fans have embraced him. There’s no need to make himself the villain again.
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By donating the money, both sides look good. Rodriguez doesn’t look selfish, and the Yankees get to say, “see, we paid the bonus.” It’s not a perfect scenario, of course, but nothing is easy when A-Rod is involved.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
