A-Rod will fly away to Texas for $252 million

  • LARRY LaRUE / The News Tribune
  • Sunday, December 10, 2000 9:00pm
  • Sports

By LARRY LaRUE

The News Tribune

DALLAS – The Texas Rangers signed free agent shortstop Alex Rodriguez to the most lucrative contract in major league history today – a $252 million deal that was more than twice the next highest ever offered – and left the Seattle Mariners to cope with yet another franchise-rocking departure.

Two years ago, the Mariners traded Randy Johnson. Last year, it was Ken Griffey Jr. And today, A-Rod left through free agency after turning down the Mariners’ final offer.

“It’s over,” manager Lou Piniella said today at the winter meetings. “It breaks your heart, but what can you do? He made his decision; now we’ll have to move on.”

Rodriguez, 25, brought more to the Rangers than a heart-of-the-lineup hitter who also happened to be a solid defensive shortstop.

“I’ve heard the Rangers mentioned more in the last two days than in the last two years,” manager Johnny Oates said. “Alex brings you all that talent, all that leadership and something more: recognition.”

The A-Rod sweepstakes ended in Texas in part because so few teams on his “A” list figured in the bidding. The New York Mets backed out early when agent Scott Boras offended general manager Steve Phillips by discussing perks along with money.

And the Braves and Dodgers, believed to be contenders for Rodriguez, never made an offer.

In the end, it came down to Seattle and Texas, and when the Mariners wouldn’t match that price tag – or the three-year escape clause A-Rod wanted – the shortstop went to the Rangers, a team that finished 20 games behind the Mariners last season.

Rodriguez was flying into Dallas today to participate in a press conference scheduled for 7 p.m. CST (5 p.m. PST).

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Marysville-Getchell senior Abdala Hassani dribbles upfield before scoring his first of two goals in the Chargers' 2-0 win against Snohomish in Marysville, Washington on April 25, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Abdala Hassani scores twice for Marysville-Getchell boys soccer

Laith Al-Bahathly gets shutout in first varsity start, a 2-0 win against Snohomish.

Tai Peete of the Everett AquaSox bats at Funko Field. (Photo courtesy of Evan Morud, Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox fall in 10th, split series with Vancouver

The Everett AquaSox settled for a split of their series against the… Continue reading

Prep roundup for Friday, April 25

GP sprinters win, area hammer throwers dominate at Eason.

Washington Wolfpack's Ledarian McAllister reaches up to try and make a catch in the end zone during the game against the Nashville Kats on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington Wolfpack hold on for AF1 win at Oregon

The Washington Wolfpack built a big lead, then held… Continue reading

Prep boys soccer roundup for Friday, April 25

Edmonds-Woodway hands Lake Stevens its first loss of the season.

Kamiak’s Emma Stansfield slides into home to score after the ball misses the glove of Jackson’s Yanina Sherwood during the 4A district championship on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Friday, April 25

Kamiak closes in on Glacier Peak’s league lead on Emma Stansfield’s late home run.

Lake Stevens’ Aspen Alexander shouts after tallying the tying run in a win over Jackson on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Friday, April 25

Aspen Alexander hits triple, HR to lead another Lake Stevens comeback.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 13-19

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 13-19. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Offensive lineman Grey Zabel participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Seahawks draft much-needed offensive lineman in first round

Seattle GM John Schneider stays at pick 18, drafts Grey Zabel of North Dakota State

Horses dash from the starting gate in the 2024 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. This year's Mile is scheduled for Aug. 17. (Photo courtesy of Doug Parry)
Emerald Downs opens Sunday

The Auburn track looks to benefit from California closures.

Lake Stevens’ Julian Wilson runs out of the box on a base knock during a game on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Thursday, April 24

A late comeback nets Lake Stevens a key league win.

Michael Arroyo of the Everett AquaSox is surrounded by teammates after his walk-off home run against Vancouver at Funko Filed on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld, Everett AquaSox)
Arroyo hits walkoff homer for AquaSox

The Everett AquaSox defeated the Vancouver Canadians 4-3 in walk-off… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.