Spring Training usually brings a rude awakening or two with it. Usually, it’s for the teams that haven’t done much in the offseason but sometimes it can happen to players as well. Though the offseason has already provided its fair share of surprises, the biggest remains the Scott Boras clients Cody Bellinger and the Cy Young winner Blake Snell not being signed till February. This has given rise to quite a few speculations and Boras won’t like many. 

Worrying about their free agency is a futile act, simply because one knows that talents like them eventually do get signed. The real question is – for how much? Will they be the ones to hold all the cards or have they already revealed their hand? Who is calling the bluff in this instance – the players or the teams?

Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell – a story of highs and lows 

There have been many speculations regarding the links between Blake Snell and Bellinger. With every insider giving their predictions regarding the final destination of these stars, there’s one common thread in their arguments – ‘the asking price might have to change first’. What’s even more interesting is how different their free agencies are. 

As seen in USA Today’s predictions – while nearly every writer predicted a different team for Snell, there was a unanimous consensus on Bellinger’s potential deal with the Chicago Cubs. However, in both cases, they predicted that there could be a little price reduction. But here’s the deal – the players and Boras haven’t budged yet. 

As MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand revealed a few days ago, Snell was still looking for an over $200 million contract. Simultaneously, many reports have indicated that Bellinger too is looking for a similar number. So there’s a clear sign from Boras that he doesn’t want to reduce the price of his clients who collectively hold an MVP and two Cy Young awards between them. 

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These hold significance because Boras has consistently used those words to sell his clients. But with Spring Training nearing, some compromise might have to be made from both sides.

Scott Boras – The master tactician or a struggling superagent? 

While there’s no doubt that Boras is used to having his clients’ free agencies go deep into the offseason, the teams just don’t trust the long-term consistency of their clients. Would a decrease in price or years increase interest? Absolutely, but expecting Boras to completely lower the prices of Snell and Bellinger doesn’t seem like a logical move. 

So that leaves compromise as the only option. With the teams going up a little and Boras lowering the price a little. A happy middle ground is all everyone seeks, and that’s exactly what could happen here. Sometimes, folding your cards is better than continuously increasing the bet.

Read more: Cody Bellinger Facing Free Agency Trouble? Cubs Reunion in Doubt Amidst Scott Boras’ $200 Million Expectations