THAT ANTHONY SANTANDER - YANKEE RUMOR THAT WON'T GO AWAY

It's incredible that the connection this offseason between the New York Yankees and Anthony Santander just won't go away, even though there has been no official mention of him in Yankees' discussions other than from sports writers. It feels like the reports are all guesses or suggestions. The persistent rumors and speculation have been fueled by various reports, keeping fans on edge about the possibility of Santander donning the pinstripes.

Surprisingly, it looks like the Toronto Blue Jays have a deal in place for Santander, and now it's just a waiting game to see if he takes the bait. This potential move by the Blue Jays could significantly help Toronto in the AL East, adding a layer of intrigue to the offseason dynamics. The anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts alike wait to see if Santander will agree to the terms and join the Blue Jays' roster.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have not yet been truly competing with the Yankees this offseason. However, they did secure Walker Buehler, which was a significant acquisition and a statement of intent. The addition of Buehler strengthens their pitching rotation, but there's more to the Red Sox's offseason moves. There's also talk that Boston has been "connected" to Santander. Yet, the Red Sox aren't alone in this pursuit.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has also mentioned the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels as potential suitors for Santander. "Santander is believed to be seeking a five-year deal worth at least $100 million, and while his defense is below-average, his power will be impactful on any lineup he joins," Feinsand said. "The Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, Tigers, and Blue Jays are among the other clubs that have been connected to the 30-year-old Santander, who made his first All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2024."

Santander's impressive performance last season has made him one of the most sought-after players on the open market. His power at the plate is undeniable, and teams are eager to add such a potent bat to their lineups. For those interested in more details on the Blue Jays and Santander connection, the article titled CONTRACT OFFER MADE TO ANTHONY SANTANDER on Bleeding Yankee Blue delves into the specifics of the Blue Jays' offer, adding further context to this unfolding saga.

Santander is certainly one of the best options remaining on the open market. He would be a seamless replacement for Sox leftfielder Tyler O'Neill, but the Red Sox do seem to have a logjam in the outfield. 

All of this is quite interesting, but in the end, personally, I don't see the Yankees involved with Santander this offseason at all. Despite the rumors and the constant buzz, the Yankees seem to be focusing their efforts elsewhere. However, in the unpredictable world of baseball, surprises are always around the corner. 

We shall see how this all plays out. Stay tuned.