A blockbuster trade has shaken up the Yankees’ roster, but it’s the unexpected personal twist that has fans bracing for drama in the Bronx.
announced the acquisition of Cody Bellinger, 29, from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
A user comment on the trade, dated December 18, 2024 | Source: X/HizAirness24
The trade, which also included cash considerations, saw right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet heading to Chicago. The Yankees are set to receive $5 million to offset the remaining two years of Bellinger’s contract, valued at $52.5 million. The deal includes a $25 million option for 2026, which can be bought out for $5 million, according to sources.
While the trade is significant for the Yankees’ offensive lineup, much of the chatter has centered on an unexpected layer of personal drama. Fans were quick to highlight a past connection between Bellinger’s blonde-haired wife, Chase Carter, and his new teammate, Giancarlo Stanton, sparking a wave of speculation and jokes online about potential tension in the Yankees’ clubhouse.
A user comment on the trade, dated December 18, 2024 | Source: X/RipGriffin3
Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with some predicting drama and others finding humor in the situation. One user
wrote, “Bellinger’s wife being Stanton’s ex is fantastic. I can’t wait for a clubhouse fight!”
Another commented, “Cody Bellinger’s wife, Chase Carter, is Giancarlo Stanton’s ex. Talk about culture in the Yankees clubhouse lol That should be interesting to say the least although I’m sure it’s not the first time that’s happened in MLB [sic].”
Other reactions ranged from lighthearted to speculative.
“The New York Yankees are turning into a live episode of Jerry Springer! Cody Bellinger’s wife used to date Giancarlo Stanton? Forget ‘Bronx Bombers,’ it’s Bronx Drama now. Somebody get the ‘Jerry! Jerry!’ chants going,”
joked one user. Another simply noted,
“That’s awkward.”
Several fans hinted that the trade had become much more intriguing due to the personal history.
“Oh, this trade got a whole lot more interesting now!”
one user
wrote, while another added,
“Oh [sic] that’s messy.”
“Wow [sic] that is crazy,”
quipped another one.
Chase Carter in a photo dated July 17, 2021 | Source: Instagram/cody_bellinger
Some comments speculated on the impact of the revelation on team dynamics.
“Something to keep an eye on: Cody Bellinger’s wife used to be romantically involved with his new #Yankees teammate, Giancarlo Stanton. Worth taking note of if the NYY locker room sees any sort of tension in 2025,”
said a fan.
Others likened the situation to reality television.
“Cody’s wife is Stanton’s ex…sounds like Yankees reality tv show in the making [sic],”
wrote one user.
“Cubs trade Cody Bellinger to the Yankees and Cody’s wife is Giancarlo Staton’s ex girlfriend Drama in the clubhouse [sic]!”
declared a final commenter.
Although the trade significantly impacts the Yankees’ roster, the spotlight has largely shifted to Carter. A 27-year-old Bahamian former model, Carter was featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
in 2018 and has posed for major brands like Victoria’s Secret and Ralph Lauren.
The connection fans can’t stop talking about dates back to 2018 and 2019, when Carter and Stanton, known for his powerful hitting and MVP accolades, were romantically linked.
Giancarlo Stanton and Chase Carter on March 26, 2019, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During this period, Carter was spotted at Yankees games, including Game 3 of the 2019 ALDS, where she sat alongside Aaron Judge’s now-wife, Samantha Bracksieck. By late 2019, the two were rumored to have split
after he “liked” several Instagram posts by UFC ring star Arianny Celeste.
Giancarlo Stanton, girlfriend Chase Carter, guest, and Jason Binn on March 26, 2019, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Less than a year later, in August 2020, Carter’s relationship with Bellinger became public. An Instagram post by Carter in October 2020 confirmed their romance.
Cody Bellinger and Chase Carter in a photo dated October 19, 2020 | Source: Instagram/lilbabycheezus
Captioned simply “My ❤️,” the post featured tender moments between the two, including Bellinger excitedly greeting Carter through the net and another of the couple sharing a kiss from opposite sides of the barrier.
Bellinger and Carter’s relationship has blossomed over the years, with the couple celebrating significant milestones. In June 2023, Carter shared photos from their engagement,
showing her happily flaunting her sparkling ring while kissing Bellinger on the cheek.
Just months later, in December 2023, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony. The pair also share two daughters. Their first, Caiden Carter Bellinger, was born in December 2021.
In a heartwarming Instagram post, Carter
wrote, “Caiden Carter Bellinger🕊🧡 Welcome to this world my baby, I love you more than I could ever explain.” The post featured adorable photos of the newborn nestled lovingly in his parents’ arms.
Their second daughter, Cy, arrived in May 2023, a moment that Carter documented with emotional candor. Describing the whirlwind experience of labor, she wrote
about Bellinger’s role, “Once Cody opened that door everything changed… Beautiful Cy baby girl came Earth side at 11:12pm, she was 8.6lbs 21.5inches. Cody caught her 🤍 [sic].” In the post, she also shared that Cy had been a twin, but they lost the sibling during delivery.
Stanton, 35, has been a key figure for the Yankees since joining the team in 2017. Born Giancarlo Cruz-Michael Stanton on November 8, 1989, in Panorama, California, he was drafted in 2007
by the then-Florida Marlins. Known for his immense power at the plate, Stanton’s MVP-caliber seasons have solidified his place as one of MLB’s biggest stars.
As for Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP and two-time All-Star will bring his unique talents to the Yankees lineup. His past successes with the Dodgers and Cubs, combined with his ability to play both outfield and first base, make him a valuable addition to the Bronx Bombers’ offense.
While fans continue to joke about the unique backstory between Bellinger, Carter, and Stanton, it remains to be seen whether any of the off-field chatter will impact the Yankees’ clubhouse.
But one thing is clear—this trade has brought more than just baseball skills to New York. With the Yankees’ 2025 season approaching, all eyes will be on how the team gels both on and off the field.