The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3: Alex Rodriguez Joins the Show

Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Alex Rodriguez

Overview

This episode of The Herd features an in-depth conversation between Colin Cowherd and baseball legend Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), unpacking the hottest topics in MLB, especially the challenges facing Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the dynamics of big-market ballplayers like Aaron Judge, the construction of MLB contenders, and broader thoughts on the evolving health and popularity of baseball. The episode also tackles NFL news, playoff predictions, and analysis of quarterbacks and coaching trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aaron Boone, Yankees Criticism, and Modern MLB Managing

(Start @ 00:56)

• Players' Managers: Colin and A-Rod defend Aaron Boone, arguing that baseball’s long season demands a manager players trust, not a disciplinarian. A-Rod notes “he doesn't set the lineup, he gets all the heat” for organizational decisions.
• Front Office vs. Field Skipper: A-Rod says front-office analytics dictate many choices, leaving Boone to absorb public backlash:

  “I'd rather see after the games...the analytics guys explain why they're making the moves...I don't think anyone could have won those games as a manager.” (A-Rod, 03:28)

2. Pressure in New York and “Moments Over Stats”

(New York pressure @ 04:12; Moments discussion @ 04:57)

• Unique NYC Intensity: Colin describes how scrutiny is uniquely harsh in New York, especially compared to Los Angeles.
• Judge's Big-Moment Test: A-Rod emphasizes the city’s demand for heroic postseason moments, not just stats:

  “People look at stats as the end of all. It’s really about moments...what Judge needs is a couple big moments. Forget about the stats. Go 1 for 13—if that base is loaded and you hit a double, you’re a hero.” (A-Rod, 04:57, echoed later @ 30:45)

3. Yankees' Roster & Patience: When Is Change Needed?

(@ 05:55)

• Stability Up Top, Turmoil Below: Colin observes that while Yankees are patient with Boone and GM Cashman, the player roster churns constantly.
• Need for Core Consistency: A-Rod points to contenders like the Spurs, Patriots, and Dodgers, who succeed thanks to a stable core:

  “It takes about four years to come together and cement. For me there’s just too many turnovers. If they lose now…there’ll be a completely different turnover next year, and Boone [and] Cashman coming back.” (A-Rod, 06:38)

4. Comparing Yankees and Dodgers: Build & Pressure

(@ 07:33–09:56)

• Roster Balance: The Dodgers, in A-Rod's view, present a more even roster, less dependent on one star’s “moments.”
• Home Run Dependency vs. Versatility: Cowherd criticizes the Yanks as “home run dependent,” while praising the Dodgers’ ability to win in various ways.
• Defensive Brilliance: A-Rod highlights LA’s infield as game-changers, noting plays by Freeman, Muncy, and Betts.

5. Mariners & Brewers: Small Market Success

(Mariners @ 10:54; Brewers @ 12:18)

• Seattle's Geographic Quirks: Seattle’s location is “rough on a team” and part of why teams like the Vancouver Grizzlies struggled.
• Mariners’ Stars: Munoz in the pen, Raleigh, and Rodriguez (“who has the it factor to be...the next, you know, Aaron Judge”) give Seattle a shot.
• Brewers’ Old-School Model: Milwaukee thrives due to leadership, drafting, development, and a Packers-like loyal fan base.

  “They’re not a home run team. They don’t give up home runs. They’re hitting them now when it counts.” (A-Rod, 12:51)

6. State of Baseball: Is the Game Healthier Than Ever?

(Macro perspective @ 13:31–15:19)

• Baseball’s Audience Shift: While viewership for key games was massive in the ‘70s–‘90s (“55 million people watched” the 1986 World Series), Rodriguez believes the sport is healthier now.
• Leadership Credit: Both MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLBPA head Tony Clark are credited for positive change.
• Caution on Labor Peace: A-Rod flags work stoppage as a potential future concern.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “Moments” in Baseball:

  “It’s really about moments. Look at the moments of Yankee history…Do you remember what Reggie had in that series? Or Jeter? You don’t, but you remember the moments.”
  —A-Rod, 04:57 & 30:45

• On New York Pressure:

  “If you struggle in Milwaukee…it doesn’t compound at the rate of the snowball of New York, which I felt…”
  —A-Rod, 04:57

• On Dodgers’ Resilience:

  “It reminds me of the old ‘90s Yankees when they won four titles…They’re going to win any way you want to play.”
  —A-Rod, 08:33

• On Yankees’ Roster Turnover:

  “You see no turnover with manager in Cashman, but you see incredible turnover with that roster…You have 24 new players. For me there’s just too many turnovers.”
  —A-Rod, 06:38

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Aaron Boone’s Situation & Analytics: 00:56–04:12
• Pressure in New York & “Moments”: 04:12–05:55, revisited at 30:45
• Yankees’ Roster and Patience: 05:55–07:33
• Dodgers vs. Yankees Roster Construction and Pressure: 07:33–09:56
• Small Market Teams (Mariners, Brewers): 10:54–13:31
• The (Healthier?) State of Baseball: 13:31–15:19

Segment: NFL & Playoff Talk

(Starts @ 19:36, post-A-Rod interview)

• Discussion shifts to NFL surprises, clutch teams (like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), close game performance, and the increasing importance of quarterback play.
• Colin notes NFL success is now more tightly correlated with having a great QB or elite coach, as reflected in his playoff predictions discussion.
• The Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Buffalo Bills’ prospects are all debated, emphasizing coaching and quarterback consistency.

Final Thoughts

The core of this episode revolves around the intersection of baseball tradition and modern realities—the expectations of managers like Aaron Boone in the age of analytics, the difference “moments” make in postseason legend-making, and how continuity builds winners. Alex Rodriguez is candid, insightful, frequently advocating for patience and core-building, while Colin Cowherd pushes for sharper, more decisive changes.

The show also seamlessly pivots into NFL analysis, with much the same outlook: success is rooted in stable leadership, star power, and the ability to seize crucial moments—whether on the diamond or the gridiron.

For listeners seeking sharp insight into baseball’s present, the pressures unique to playing (and managing) in New York, and the makings of a modern champion, this episode is a must.