Just Now: Dakota “Stilts” Albritton Rejects $11.8 Million MLB Offers to Stay with Savannah Bananas, the decision comes as a surprise to…………. more details
In a decision that will be remembered as one of the most stunning moments in baseball history, Dakota “Stilts” Albritton, the towering entertainer and star of the Savannah Bananas, has chosen loyalty over fortune. Despite receiving jaw-dropping \$11.8 million offers from both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two of the most powerful franchises in Major League Baseball, Stilts has elected to remain with the Bananas—the team that made him a household name and the face of Banana Ball.
For decades, the dream of nearly every aspiring ballplayer has been the same: to one day wear the pinstripes of the Yankees or the blue of the Dodgers. With their history, championships, and global fanbases, few opportunities in sports carry such prestige.
But Stilts has turned that dream on its head. Instead of chasing money, fame, and the MLB spotlight, he is staying true to the Bananas, the team that took a chance on him and allowed him to thrive in the most unconventional version of the game.
“Money comes and goes, but joy and family last forever,” Stilts said in a statement released Monday evening. The Bananas gave me more than a career—they gave me a purpose. I’m not walking away from that, no matter what numbers get put on the table.
At 6-foot-7, Dakota “Stilts” is impossible to miss. But it’s not just his size that captures attention—it’s his flair. From sprinting into the stands to hug fans, to dancing mid-game with teammates, to pulling off athletic stunts that seem to defy logic, Stilts has become the embodiment of Banana Ball’s mix of spectacle and sport.
For the Bananas, his decision to stay is more than a roster win—it’s a validation of their philosophy. “Dakota represents everything Banana Ball is about, said Jesse Cole, the team’s owner and creative mastermind. He’s fearless, he’s joyful, and he puts fans first. For him to choose us over the Yankees and Dodgers tells the world that this is more than a sideshow. This is the future.
The Yankees and Dodgers didn’t hide their pursuit of Stilts. Sources say both teams had been in talks with his representatives for months, each dangling multi-year deals worth \$11.8 million plus performance incentives. Beyond his on-field potential, both clubs saw him as a marketing magnet—an entertainer who could bring energy and younger audiences to a sport sometimes criticized for its slower pace.
For the Yankees, his towering presence could have echoed their tradition of larger-than-life stars, while the Dodgers envisioned him as a charismatic showman to electrify their Hollywood-adjacent fanbase.
“Dakota Stilts isn’t just a ballplayer; he’s a phenomenon, one MLB executive said. We wanted him not only for what he does on the field but for what he represents: fun, excitement, and viral energy.
In choosing the Bananas, Stilts has made a powerful statement about what matters to him. It’s not the money or the grandeur of MLB stadiums—it’s the nightly connection with fans, the freedom to express himself on the field, and the authenticity of being part of something that feels revolutionary.
Sports historian Marcus Halloway believes Stilts’ decision could be a cultural turning point. “For over a century, MLB has been the unquestioned pinnacle of baseball. But Dakota saying ‘no’ to \$11.8 million and the chance to play for the Yankees or Dodgers signals that Banana Ball isn’t just entertainment—it’s a legitimate alternative career path for players.
The announcement sparked an immediate and emotional reaction from Banana Nation. Social media flooded with tributes celebrating Stilts’ loyalty.
One fan wrote Dakota Stilts just turned down \$11.8 million to stay with the Bananas. That’s more than loyalty—that’s love. He’s ours forever.
Another added The Yankees and Dodgers can buy talent, but they can’t buy heart. Stilts chose joy over money, and that’s why he’s a legend.
Even some MLB fans admitted admiration. A Dodgers supporter tweeted: *“It hurts that we didn’t get him, but you have to respect the loyalty. Baseball needs more of that.
Albritton’s decision may reshape how athletes view their careers. In an era where contracts often dominate headlines, his choice is a reminder that fulfillment doesn’t always align with dollar signs.
Banana Ball has already proven itself a phenomenon, selling out stadiums nationwide and amassing millions of online followers. With Stilts doubling down on his loyalty, it further cements the idea that this version of baseball isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a movement.
Stilts staying with the Bananas is the clearest sign yet that Banana Ball is here to stay,” said sports analyst Karen Torres. “When players willingly turn down MLB money to remain part of it, that’s not a fad. That’s the birth of something new.
For Dakota Stilts, the future remains bright in Savannah. Fans can expect more viral moments, more jaw-dropping stunts, and more of the unique blend of joy and athleticism that has made him a star.
For the Yankees and Dodgers, his rejection is a rare loss in the free-agent world. But for the Bananas, it’s a victory that money simply cannot measure.
“Some people chase millions,” Stilts said in closing. *“But me? I’m chasing memories. And with the Bananas, I’ll have them forever.
In a world where loyalty is often overshadowed by paychecks, Dakota Stilts has proven that sometimes the most powerful statement an athlete can make is to stay exactly where they’re happiest—even when the whole world is offering them more.