Alex Rodriguez has criticized the New York Yankees for losing the intimidating reputation that once set them apart in Major League Baseball, arguing that opponents no longer fear playing at Yankee Stadium. He made the comments after the Yankees' disappointing end to the 2026 season. The Tampa Bay Rays swept the team in the American League Division Series, extending its World Series title drought to 17 seasons.
During a recent appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" as a FOX MLB analyst, Rodriguez expressed frustration with opponents beating the Yankees and then mocking them. He also urged the franchise to return to the principles that helped it win 27 World Series championships.
"This is a copy-and-paste league. The good news for the Yankees is that you don't have to copy and paste anyone. Go copy and paste the last 27 championships you've won. And go copy that. You got to get players that play positions that are elite defenders, that are elite athletes, high base IQ, tons of integrity, and that have an absolute play with their hair on fire with tremendous passion. And you just don't see that fear there anymore. People go to Yankee Stadium, they beat us, and then they make fun of us, and if they win, they have the right to make fun of the Yankees," said Rodriguez.
The Yankees finished the regular season with a 93-68 record, placing second in the AL East behind the Tampa Bay Rays.
During the same appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Alex Rodriguez also questioned the Yankees' roster construction. He argued that the team has too many players suited to designated hitter duties and not enough clarity across the field, as reported by Baseball Now via Yahoo Sports .
While he stopped short of calling for general manager Brian Cashman or manager Aaron Boone to be fired, Rodriguez said the roster's shortcomings would prevent even a successful manager from winning a championship.
"And I'm not saying you should fire (Brian) Cashman or (Aaron Boone). I don't think that's the case. But with this construction of this roster, you can bring Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Billy Martin. You're not going to win with this roster. When you have four or five DHs in the first basements, that's an issue. When you go into an elimination game three at home, and of the eight positions, you don't know who's going to play five, with a $330 million payroll," Alex Rodriguez said.
The New York Yankees have won the most World Series titles among MLB franchises. Rodriguez was part of their 2009 championship team, which remains their most recent World Series-winning roster.
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