With Derek Jeter out, Alex Rodriguez is tipped to become the new leader of the New York Yankees and the team's starting third baseman, but manager Joe Girardi said that the veteran third baseman will have to prove his worth first.

Rodriguez served a yearlong ban this season after being involved in the MLB Biogenesis drug scandal and Girardi said that they will have to determine how physically fit the 39-year-old will be when he returns to action next season.

"We have to see where he is at," Girardi said via ESPN New York. "I think that is the thing that we have to do. I believe he is going to be 40 next summer, and we need to see where he is physically at."

Rodriguez, who still has three years left in his contract worth around $61 million, has been slowed down by injuries, particularly in the 2013 season where he was limited to just 44 games due to hip injury.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also revealed that he has talked to Rodriguez recently to map out a plan for his return next season.

The team is considering winter training for A-Rod, but the veteran reportedly turned down the proposal, which was accepted by Cashman, who expressed confidence that Rodriguez will still return strong next season.

"One thing about Alex, he has always been a hard worker," Cashman said of Rodriguez, who is a career .299 batter with 654 home runs. "It is nothing you ever have to worry about with Alex."

The Yankees will have to name a new captain next season. When asked about the possibility of picking Rodriguez as the new captain, Girardi believes that the 20-year veteran will be ready to take the responsibility.

"Alex, at heart, is a teacher," Girardi said. "He likes to teach the game and where you're supposed to be and how to play a position. He likes to talk about hitting. Alex loves to talk about the game, but I don't necessarily think that he would seek that."

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