The free agency of Cody Bellinger is starting to sound like the Simpsons – endless and stretching forever. Whatever the case with the series, at least in Bellinger’s case it’s increasingly looking like a strategy by his agent Scott Boras. The super agent is famous for taking his client’s free agencies deep into the offseason, like a certain Phillies star. Is this what is happening with Bellinger?
The most famous instance of Boras extending talks was of Bryce Harper in 2019. Seems like history may repeat itself. While Harper ended up breaking the contract record, could Bellinger too find a huge deal through this strategy?
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Are we seeing a Scott Boras masterclass through Cody Bellinger?
In 2019, the world watched with bated breath as the Bryce Harper sweepstakes rocked the league. Month after month reports came, and rumors spread but there was no movement. December, January, February! Just how far was Boras willing to take things? Then finally on March 1, Harper signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $330 million contract. Boras could be going the same with Bellinger as well.
Unlike Harper, Bellinger isn’t expected to break the contract record, but delaying the deal might prove to be an apt strategy here. The market for Bellinger is quite thin with only the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and possibly the San Francisco Giants after him. Waiting out the process might increase the likelihood of one of these teams getting more desperate and offering him a contract closest to his $300 million expectations.
Yet, there’s risk involved as well. As we are seeing right now with the Cubs slowly losing their interest, Boras knows what Bellinger brings to the table. While teams are worried about Bellinger’s long-term potential, the way he has changed his playing style could bode well for him. At the same time, this might be the only chance for Cody Love to get a big contract.
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At 28, Bellinger’s physical peak will only decline from now on. The player’s injury record, coupled with his aggressive fielding style doesn’t bode well for his longevity. Perhaps that’s why both he and his agent are holding out for a massive contract. But is $300 million a realistic target?
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$300 million is increasingly looking like a negotiation tactic. Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently said that Bellinger and Boras were seeking a contract that’s “$200MM plus”. This signals that maybe they’re putting up a big number first to negotiate down to their real number.
A contract nearer to $200 than $300 million already looks more attractive. Could Boras be stalling this free agency just so the teams reach that number? While franchises like the Cubs are not ready for $300 million, a contract below that number could potentially make them lick their lips. Sooner or later, this free agency will end, unlike the Simpsons.
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Edited by
Arunima Bhanot