At 50, former MLB star Alex Rodriguez has shifted his focus from Hall of Fame glory to personal growth through therapy. Despite ranking among baseball's all-time greats in home runs and RBIs, he says induction would feel hollow. This mindset comes as he appears on the 2026 ballot.
Alex Rodriguez, the 14-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP, has long been a polarizing figure in baseball. His career stats are impressive: fifth all-time with 696 home runs, behind only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Albert Pujols, and fourth in RBIs with 2,086. Yet, his legacy includes a 2014 suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs from the Biogenesis scandal, which overshadowed his contributions to the New York Yankees' 2009 World Series win.
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Rodriguez revealed he has 'divorced' himself from the pursuit of Hall of Fame induction. Therapy has played a key role in this transformation, helping him confront past behaviors and embrace accountability. 'I have a life today that I didn’t have for the first 40 years,' he said. 'If I went to the Hall of Fame, in a weird way, I would be hollow inside. I would still be in a lot of pain. I would rather have what I have today, because it really helped me unlock a lot of the work that I needed to do.'
Rodriguez, who calls himself a 'recovering narcissist,' credits the late Dr. David Schnarch, a trauma therapist, for reshaping his perspective. Sessions in Evergreen, Colorado, allowed him to reflect on his childhood, including his father's absence, and his high-profile relationships with figures like Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. This introspection is detailed in the recent HBO docuseries 'Alex vs. A-Rod,' directed by Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew, which explores his journey beyond the field.
Now a part-owner of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and an analyst for Fox Sports, Rodriguez prioritizes peace over accolades. He compares his stance to declining offers for a final season to reach 700 home runs, noting family support despite initial disappointment. As the 2026 ballot looms, some voters, like one from USA Today, remain firm against PED users post-2004, underscoring ongoing debates about his eligibility.
Rodriguez's story highlights a shift from external validation to inner healing, offering a nuanced view of redemption in sports.