Alex Rodriguez Contract: Will a Suspension Harm His Net Worth?

In this Aug. 22, 2009, file photo, New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez watches from the dugout in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. Baseball is threatening to kick Rodriguez out of the game for life unless the Yankees star agrees not to fight a lengthy suspension for his role in the sport's latest drug scandal, according to a person familiar with the discussions. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

Alex Rodriguez would still get paid the rest of his contract even if the MLB suspends him, ensuring his net worth will stay high.

After signing with the Texas Rangers in 2000 for $252 million, Rodriguez signed with the New York Yankees in 2007 for $275 million, and he is the 18th highest-paid celebrity in the world.

The MLB threatened to suspend the 38-year old Rodriguez from baseball for life if he tries to appeal a lengthy suspension it gave him over performance-enhancing drugs.

Rodriguez is still owed $114 million regardless of what happens, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Rodriguez is trying to use a unique contract loophole to retire before the suspension comes down so he can get all of the money, says the website, because if he doesn’t the contract loses the guarantee if he is in fact suspended. 

If Rodriguez is cleared to play any games at all he can suit up and technically retire after the game is over. Right now he is on the disabled list. 

A Yahoo! Sports commentary suggests that the Yankees just “void the contract, send in the lawyers, and get back to playing baseball.”