Alex Rodriguez wants Yankees number retired; wasn’t happy when Joey Gallo was given No. 13

The Yankees have 22 retired numbers, but former Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, believes it should be 23.

In a recent interview on WFAN’s Evan and Tiki, Rodriguez, who now works as a TV analyst for FOX, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Yankees retiring Joey Gallo‘s No. 13 in 2021.

“It did not make me happy,” Rodriguez chuckled.

Rodriguez shared that while he maintains a good relationship with the Yankees organization and owner Hal Steinbrenner, his role as a TV analyst might hinder his chances of having his number immortalized in Monument Park, as he is known for his unfiltered critiques of the team.

“I’m too critical of the Yankees, and that doesn’t help my case,” Rodriguez explained. “But as a TV analyst, I get paid to tell the truth… I’d love to have my number retired, but if it’s not, so be it.”

Rodriguez, who played for the Yankees for 12 seasons from 2004-2016, was one of the standout players during that period. He boasted impressive statistics, including a .283 batting average, .378 on-base percentage, .523 slugging percentage, 351 home runs, and 1096 RBI.

The former Yankee made seven All-Star appearances and claimed two MVP awards (2005, 2007) while donning pinstripes. He was also a crucial part of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship team, the last time the franchise captured the coveted title.

When asked if he believes that the longer the Yankees go without a championship, the higher the chances of his number being retired, Rodriguez acknowledged the possibility. Nevertheless, his ultimate desire is for his former team to reclaim its winning ways.

“I understand that theory, but I don’t want it to happen,” said Rodriguez. “I want the Yankees to succeed and turn things around.”