It’s an out-of-the-ordinary spectacle. Spring Training is underway, yet superstar Cody Bellinger remains a free agent, and his notoriously hard-bargaining agent Scott Boras refuses to budge. Boras demands a $200 million-plus contract, an audacious holdout strategy that raises a slew of questions. Where does Bellinger’s future lie? And what on earth is the notoriously strategic Boras planning?

As a FanSided report reflects, is this a sign that baseball’s offseason is becoming painfully slow, mirroring recent trends lamented by baseball figures like Alex Cora? Or perhaps it’s a symptom of a larger struggle between superagents like Boras and owners yearning for more controlled spending? Or is it simply a testament to an unusually tough buyer’s market? One thing is for sure: Boras isn’t caving with an open wallet in sight.

The Cody Bellinger-Scott Boras Tango: Calculated Strategy or Risky Gamble?

In his own words, Scott Boras claims, “I have evaluations. Teams have time for making late decisions. Often teams do that. I don’t mind letting time go.” His statement hints at an internal metric guiding his decision to wait out Bellinger’s market, per market reports.

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The superagent cites past successes in late signings—Bryce Harper (2019) and Kyle Lohse (2008)—as proof that this tactic doesn’t impede career success. The logic runs that Bellinger’s rare talent will ultimately land him the megadeal they seek. Yet, sources have also hinted at possible frustration.

An anonymous player represented by Boras suggests players were prepared to “dig in” this offseason if needed, as reported by the Sports Business Journal. The question emerges: has Scott Boras, and consequently Cody Bellinger, miscalculated the market’s hunger for the outfielder? If a team does make a move, a significant loss of playing time may result for Cody Love. He wouldn’t immediately join the roster like players who signed late in previous years.

Experts weigh in, and the sentiment leans towards caution. Analysts like MLB Radio’s Brad Lidge label the Bellinger/Boras strategy as “really concerning” and suggest they “overplayed their hand.” The reality is, as teams fill out their rosters and turn their focus to Spring Training, Bellinger’s options could narrow to a handful of “financially lavish” contenders. Those same contenders may offer less desirable roles within their rosters, making a long-term deal less tempting.

Watch This Story: Who Are The Top 5 Prospects Entering The 2024 Season?

The Chicago Factor: Bellinger’s Best Option?

The Chicago Cubs still figure significantly into this saga. Cody Bellinger’s stellar year with them fueled mutual interest in an extension—interest confirmed by Cubs President Jed Hoyer and Bellinger himself, according to a report by Sports Mockery. Could a return to Chicago be the most likely conclusion?

It seems the Cubs face diminishing competition after losing rivals like the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants—both teams found alternative stars. However, there’s still a glimmer of competition left for a high-value signing on the West Coast. Could the Los Angeles Angels swoop in with a blockbuster offer to fill the void left by Shohei Ohtani’s departure? This high-stakes game of chicken has consequences for baseball as a whole.

Read More: Cody Bellinger Back to the Cubs? Hopes Reignite as Top Prospect Lauds Star Outfielder

Some view it as symptomatic of a larger standoff between power agents and MLB owners craving predictability. But regardless of the greater implications, Scott Boras remains a master negotiator. Is he clinging to an overestimation of Cody Bellinger’s value in an unforgiving market? Or does he truly see a late-game benefactor emerging who’s willing to meet his terms?

Time will be the ultimate judge, but even while this standoff lingers, Boras, ever the maestro, appears unfazed by the unusual circumstances. After all, his confidence has brought both wins and losses in the past—and as we know, baseball offers no guarantees but for the one willing to risk it all.