MEDIA PUSHING SANTANDER, BUT YANKEE FANS WANT BELLINGER!

Anthony Santander’s name has been buzzing in Yankees rumors lately, and on paper, it’s easy to see why. The 30-year-old switch-hitter could be the perfect fit for the Bombers. He’s got a solid glove, knows the AL East inside and out after spending his entire career with the Orioles, and has the kind of power that makes bleacher fans bring their gloves—40-plus homer potential, baby! Oh, and did we mention he hit more home runs than Juan Soto last season? Both were All-Stars, both were Silver Slugger winners, but Santander comes without the Soto-sized price tag. If the Yankees pulled this off, it would make all kinds of baseball sense.

But let’s be honest: the Yankee Universe—and we diehard fans—are dreaming of someone else. Cody. Freaking. Bellinger.

The former MVP has it all: speed, defense, power, and the versatility to play center field or first base. He’s only 28, has a Gold Glove, two Silver Sluggers, and two All-Star nods to his name. Plus, he’s exactly the kind of high-energy, high-upside player Yankee fans love. Sure, his production dipped in 2024, but the potential for a bounce-back in pinstripes is too tantalizing to ignore.

So, what’s the holdup? Oh, you know, the usual: money. The Cubs, desperate to unload Bellinger but want a team to take on the $52.5 million left on his contract (including a $25 million opt-out for 2026). The Yankees, naturally, want Chicago to cover a chunk of that. Rumor has it, the two sides are about $10 million apart. And if that gap doesn’t close, the Yankees could dangle veteran DJ LeMahieu to sweeten the pot, per Cubbies Crib.

Meanwhile, Santander remains a very logical—and frankly, underrated—option. But logic doesn’t always win in the Bronx, where big names and big dreams reign supreme. Yankee fans don’t want “solid” or “sensible.” We want the guy with MVP hardware and highlight-reel potential. Plus, in reality, Santander is connected to the Blue Jays and Red Sox too.

So, while Santander-to-the-Yankees chatter grows louder, the fans are left asking: When’s Cody coming? I really want this dude.

Stay tuned, because this offseason soap opera is just getting started.