A-Rod predicts baseball will be No. 1 sport in 5-10 years

Alex Rodriguez believes Major League Baseball is on the verge of a resurgence.

"When I grew up, baseball was the number one sport," Rodriguez told reporters Monday. "I'm making a prediction that in the next 5-10 years we're going to become number one again. I really feel that way. Already (MLB commissioner Rob Manfred) has made some incredible movement forward."

MLB is in the midst of somewhat of a renaissance due to an influx of young stars led by Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado - all who have yet to reach their 25th birthday - and Manfred's receptiveness to change.

With more than two decades experience in the majors, Rodriguez is well versed in the league's economics. He understands that it has been - and will be - more difficult for MLB to market its stars like the NBA, but believes marketing the current core of up-and-coming players will go a long way in popularizing the league.

"Our game has become a lot more regional, which financially is a plus, but as far as marketing, not so much," Rodriguez said. "It's something we have to work towards. I think the collection of young players, from Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, to Mike Trout, all of them together, can maybe make up Lebron. I can't just think of one guy."