One of baseball's most unpopular players is thriving in retirement
Former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez will host a CNBC show called "Back in the Game," which chronicles the financial woes of ex-athletes struggling to navigate life after their playing days, according to multiple reports.
And if you've been following A-Rod since his playing career ended last year, you know he is the most ironic choice to host this show, because A-Rod is absolutely killing the retirement game.
In fact, it seems like Rodriguez's post-playing days are treating him better than his 22 years in the big leagues. Though he amassed 14 All-Star appearances, three MVP awards and a World Series ring, A-Rod was somewhat of a polarizing figure in Major League Baseball.
Rodriguez admitted — after repeatedly denying — to using steroids during the 2003 season, and became the face of another major performance enhancing drugs scandal in 2013, when the league suspended him for 211 games. That, coupled with reports of infidelity, criticism for choking in clutch situations and just a general air of egocentrism, didn't help A-Rod's reputation.
But ever since the Yankees essentially forced him into retirement last August, A-Rod has rebuilt himself.
The former All-Star has flourished in his role as a postseason analyst with Fox Sports, forcing the fans who despised A-Rod to change their perception. Behind the controversy and the lucrative contracts, he's a brilliant baseball mind with an inherent curiosity and love for the game. Fans can see that now.
A-Rod is finally human.
Aside from his gig at FOX and the upcoming CNBC show, A-Rod co-hosted an episode of Live! With Kelly. A man who often struggled on baseball's biggest stages, Rodriguez is embracing the spotlight.
And, in stark contrast to the ex-athletes who will reportedly star on "Back in the Game," A-Rod is doing pretty well financially. The Yankees will still pay him $21 million to be a special advisor to the team in 2017.
He's a successful investor, owns a Mercedes dealership in Texas, and seems to be living the retirement life to its fullest.
