Former Yankee Alex Rodriguez will not play baseball for the rest of this season, publicist Ron Berkowitz confirmed Monday.
"I want to put all this talk to rest about Alex playing for any team this season," Berkowitz wrote in an email. "It's not happening. Like he said Friday night, he is happy and he is going to take some time to relax and hang with his family and friends."
Nothing was mentioned about Rodriguez's interest in returning for the 2017 season.
Rodriguez was unconditionally released by the Yankees on Saturday on officially became a free agent at 1 p.m. Monday. He was said to be on the radar of his hometown Miami Marlins.
Earlier Monday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had said Rodriguez, 41, was free to walk away from his agreement to become a special advisor for the Yankees if he elects to sign with another team.
Rodriguez has not yet signed the deal offered by Hal Steinbrenner, the team's managing general partner, eight days ago when it was announced that Rodriguez's 12-year career with the team would be ending. He played in his final game last Friday.
"He's free to sign (the Yankees' deal) if he wants," Cashman said. "If he chooses to change his mind and keep playing it's certainly something he can do."
The special adviser/instructor arrangement would pay Rodriguez a nominal amount beyond what he already is owed. It would take effect near spring training 2017 and be in effect until Dec. 31.
According to The Associated Press, The Yankees will pay Rodriguez $27,103,825, the remaining amount from his 10-year, $275-million contract. He is due $7,103,825 for the rest of this season and $20 million next year.
Rodriguez is fourth on the all-time list with 696 home runs and has implied he would like to reach 700. The Marlins' hitting coach is Barry Bonds, who is first with 762.
