Report: Yankees trying to void Alex Rodriguez's milestone bonuses

The New York Yankees would rather Alex Rodriguez didn't return to baseball this season, but if he does, they're reportedly going to great lengths to ensure it happens on their terms.

After signing A-Rod's replacement to a four-year deal and reportedly rejecting his offer to make peace before training camp, the Yankees are looking to hurt Rodriguez where it matters most: his bank account.

The Yankees are working to void marketing bonuses written into Rodriguez's contract that could net him up to $24 million if he passes Barry Bonds' all-time home run mark of 762, Bill Madden from the New York Daily News reported Sunday. These incentives are above and beyond the $61 million owed to him over the next three seasons.

Although it's unlikely the 39-year-old has another 109 homers left in his career, the milestone clause includes a number of more attainable triggers should Rodriguez stay healthy.

Rodriguez, who has reportedly been seeking the hitting advice of Bonds, needs just six more home runs to tie Willie Mays' 660 and earn an additional $6 million. The marketing deal would also pay the embattled slugger $6 million in bonuses for tying Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755).

Sources tell the Daily News that the Yankees intend to argue that Rodriguez's actions since signing his 10-year, $272-million contract in 2007 have rendered the marketing opportunities worthless.

The three-time MVP was suspended 162 games last winter for his role in the Biogenesis scandal and reportedly admitted to federal investigators that he paid $12,000 a month for steroids and performance-enhancing drugs.