Yankees Must Give A-Rod $3 Million Next Month Whether He Is Suspended Or Not

Getty ImagesBrian Cashman and Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez's 2014 season is still up in the air as the ruling on the appeal of his 211-game suspension is not expected until after the new year. But whether he is suspended or not, the New York Yankees must give A-Rod $3 million in January.

The $3 million payment is the final installment of Rodriguez's $10 million signing bonus from the 10-year, $275 million contract signed in December, 2007.

Once that payment is made, it will push the total amount paid to A-Rod by the Yankees to $253.5 million in the ten seasons since he was acquired from the Texas Rangers prior to the 2004 season.

While the $3 million payment must be made, Rodriguez is in jeopardy of losing $31 million if he is indeed suspended for the 2014 season. In addition to his $25 million salary, the Yankees must pay Rodriguez $6 million once he ties Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time home run list. A-Rod needs just six home runs to tie Mays with 660 in his career.

If Rodriguez does avoid suspension all-together, the Yankees still owe Rodriguez $86 million over the next four seasons plus up to $18 million for reaching major career home run milestones (660, 714, and 755 career home runs).