Yankees Rumors: Anthony Santander hints emerge as NYY talk to 4 first basemen

Behold, the Cody Bellinger trade has finally been pushed across the finish line. Will they? Won't they? And can't they find someone else more productive and less expensive instead? No matter; they did it, only Cody Poteet to Chicago, in exchange for Bellinger and a bit of cash.

Whether you're in love with the addition or not, Bellinger's versatility and ability to play both center field and first base could make a valuable impact on the Bronx Bombers' depth chart. Still, his worrisomely low exit velocity and long swing counteract some of that optimism. While Bob Nightengale reported that the team views him primarily as a center fielder, Chris Kirschner refuted that decision being made later in the evening. Regardless, does Jasson Dominguez play left? Who fills first? While the details of the trade were being ironed out, the Yankees appeared to be considering investing in "first base only" alternatives.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, they're "engaged in talks" with Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, and Paul Goldschmidt. Santana will be 39 on Opening Day, and Goldschmidt will be 37. Those are more than likely one-year deals.

Now, are these expired leverage plays, or real options?

Yankees Rumors: NYY turned attention to Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana during boring Cody Bellinger talks

Jon Heyman, in particular, has been beating the "Alonso-Yankees" drum for a while. It's certainly the simplest way to get direct revenge on the Mets for swiping Juan Soto, but that's also an oddly unnecessary thing to covet. Alonso has always made the most sense for the Mets; he'd be redundant and clunky in a Yankees lineup built around selling out for power. It's somewhat appealing if his price dips, but the Mets likely need him more.

Walker, purportedly, was close to agreeing with the Yankees at the Winter Meetings, though those rumors now seem ludicrously overblown. He's in his mid-30s and has suffered from oblique issues, but you won't find a better glove. Unfortunately, you won't get the lost draft picks back if you sign him, either. Due to the Max Fried addition, the Yankees are in double jeopardy here.

That leaves Santana and Goldschmidt, likely the cheapest options, but also the ones that provide the least certainty. Is Goldschmidt an MVP candidate mid-rebound, or a Hall of Fame slugger in his later years, a la Pudge Rodriguez in 2008? Will this be another sturdy year for Santana, or the final nail in his decline coffin?

Walker probably has the highest upside and highest floor. Alonso has the highest name recognition. But oh ... what's this? Part-time first baseman Anthony Santander has entered the fray, too?

His price tag is slipping. He's been said to be enthusiastic about joining the Yankees in a limited market. He's played nine career games at first base. And he followed the Yankees on IG this week?

Apologies, Anthony. I was not familiar with your game. And apologies, Brian Cashman. Same to you.