New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay has floated an unconventional plan for former star Alex Rodriguez to extend his chances at Baseball Hall of Fame induction, suggesting the slugger come out of retirement for a single at-bat.
In comments from Tuesday’s episode of “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN that circulated widely Friday on X, Kay said he had shared the idea privately with Rodriguez. An X post from New York Post Sports highlighted the proposal with video of the remarks.
“I’ve said it to Alex privately: come back for one at-bat,” Kay said. “I’m sure the Marlins would love to pack the place. He’s in unbelievable shape. He’s in the same shape he was when he played.”
Kay explained the potential impact on eligibility rules. Players become eligible for the Hall five years after their final major league appearance and can remain on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot for up to 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the vote each cycle.
“If you come back for one at-bat, then you restart the clock. Then it takes five more years before you’re eligible for the Hall of Fame, and then you’ve got 10 more years of being on the ballot,” Kay said. “That gives you 15 more years if you get one at-bat. Right now, his clock is running. He’s almost out of time, and I don’t think he’s going to make it up to 75%.”
Rodriguez, 51, last played on Aug. 12, 2016, for the Yankees. He has appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for five years. In the most recent results announced in January, he received 40% of the vote, up from 37.1% the prior year, 34.8% in 2024, 35.7% in 2023 and 34.3% in his debut year of 2022. Election requires 75% support.
The three-time American League Most Valuable Player finished his career with 696 home runs, ranking among the top five in major league history, along with 3,115 hits and 2,086 RBIs. He was a 14-time All-Star, won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009 and earned two Gold Gloves as a shortstop before shifting primarily to third base in New York.
Rodriguez’s candidacy has been hindered by his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs and a full-season suspension in 2014 related to the Biogenesis scandal. No player suspended under MLB’s PED policy has been elected to the Hall by the writers.
Kay argued that additional time on the ballot could help as the electorate evolves.
“A-Rod still has some time, and maybe the voting block becomes more forgiving as the older guys die off and younger people get the vote,” he said. He added that without PED associations, Rodriguez would be discussed among the greatest players ever.
The idea has drawn mixed reactions online, with some questioning whether a one-at-bat return would be feasible or viewed positively by voters. Others noted the practical challenges of a team agreeing to the arrangement solely for eligibility purposes.
Rodriguez has spoken in recent months about distancing himself from Hall of Fame concerns after years of therapy. He has described himself as focused on personal growth rather than legacy debates. Still, his statistical case remains among the strongest of any eligible player not yet inducted.
Kay reiterated his advice in the broadcast: “My advice to Alex, come back, activate yourself for one game, get an at-bat and then restart the clock to get yourself another 15 years on the ballot.”
Whether Rodriguez would consider such a move remains unclear. He has stayed active in baseball as a broadcaster and analyst while maintaining a high level of physical fitness, according to those close to him.
The Hall of Fame voting process continues annually, with Rodriguez set to appear on the ballot for five more years under current rules unless his playing status changes. The suggestion from the longtime Yankees voice has reignited discussion about how the institution handles candidates from the PED era.
