The chances probably are slim. But if new details emerge that Rodriguez assisted his cousin, Yuri Sucart, in the distribution of performance-enhancing drugs, baseball might have an opening, sources say.
Surcart is one of the defendants in the government’s case against Biogenesis. Nine players, including Rodriguez, were granted immunity by the government in exchange for their testimony.
Baseball already has suspended Rodriguez for 162 games for his use and possession of performance-enhancing drugs. The question now is whether the testimony of one or more of the other players would show that Rodriguez also was involved in distribution.
As Rosenthal notes, this scenario would be rendered moot if through their conversations with Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch, MLB already knows whether Rodriguez participated merely in use and possession of performance-enhancing drugs and not distribution. Still, the possibility is being discussed by some within the game.
Baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement (JDA) stipulates that any player who participates in the sale or distribution of a performance-enhancing substance are subject to at least an 80-game suspension (but not more than 100 games) for a first offense. If MLB did attempt to discipline Rodriguez again, they would likely face a fight from the union on the grounds that he has already paid his price for his involvement with Biogenesis.
Rodriguez is still owed $61 million over the next three seasons from the Yankees. The 39-year-old is reportedly “working out like a fiend” in preparation for spring training.