He almost couldn’t swing it.

Alex Rodriguez shelled out $9.9 million for a Central Park West co-op — after initially being denied by the building’s board, The Post can report. 

According to sources familiar with the transaction, the former Yankee and businessman “made a big fuss about it” and “begged” for the unit until he got it. 

“He almost didn’t get accepted and begged the board to accept him,” one insider revealed to The Post. 

“He had a tantrum and then they said ‘yes.'”

According to a separate source, the board did not want someone with A-Rod’s “reputation.”

“It is a typical white-glove Central Park West co-op,” the source said. “They don’t want anyone with celebrity status living here. That is not what they are going for.” 

However, Rodriguez, 46, eventually did purchase the three-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom unit from real estate developer Jordan Vogel.

Reps for Vogel did not respond to The Post’s request for comment — but A-Rod’s rep Ron Berkowitz has denied any “back and forth,” saying that in fact the process went “seamlessly.”

“His reference letters came from current tenants in the building,” Berkowitz told The Post on Tuesday. “He was approved days later after his board interview.”

Vogel, 42, had initially purchased the second-floor unit for $6.75 million, records show.

Images show the palatial building towering over Central Park’s western entrance, directly across the street from the Natural History Museum.

“It is the crown jewel of famed architect Emery Roth,” the listing states, “and one of the most prestigious addresses in the entire city.”

Residents enter through a grand foyer complete with an art gallery. Units like the one Rodriguez purchased have artistic touches throughout.

Upon entry is an 8.5-foot-tall glass casement door, which leads into the central gallery. The 500-square-foot living room features views of Central Park and comes with a wood-burning fireplace. 

Rodriguez reportedly insisted on the board’s approval for the unit despite one apparent drawback.

“It is shocking that he would want a place on the second floor. It is not private at all. I think it’s a massive mistake,” the source opined.  

In the past, Rodriguez found himself embroiled in scandal when a photographer took a rogue photo of him on the toilet of his bathroom, shot through the window of his NYC penthouse he shared with ex Jennifer Lopez at the time. 

“I’m certainly not suing,” Rodriguez said in June 2019. “The one thing is, I actually do my best thinking there! I wasn’t ready for the picture. It is what it is … I have to invest in some good blinds, and I think I am.”

But, according to the insider, Rodriguez wasn’t fazed by the level of this new corner unit and “loved the renovations” at the Beresford. 

Spanning 900 square feet, the primary suite features two full bathrooms, a dressing room and a separate sitting room. 

The formal dining room is oak-paneled with “discretely designed storage,” the listing states. And the bistro-like kitchen has restored original St. Charles cabinetry equipped with professional-grade appliances, including two dishwashers. 

Roberto Cabrera with Brown Harris Stevens held the listing.