Cody Bellinger’s recent contract agreement with the Chicago Cubs for three years and $80 million may not have met the expectations set by his agent Scott Boras. This could potentially embolden other teams interested in Boras’ top free-agent clients to negotiate for lesser contracts as well. Bellinger will have the opportunity to test the open market again next offseason due to opt-outs in his agreement, and he may have a chance to secure a more lucrative deal at that time.
The article also mentions other players represented by Boras who initially signed lesser contracts but were able to make up the difference later on. However, Bellinger will need to prove himself once again to secure a larger deal. Despite finishing 10th in the National League MVP voting and winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award last season, his average annual value of $26.67 million currently ranks 37th all-time.
Comparisons are drawn between Bellinger and Corey Seager, another Boras client who secured a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers at a similar age. While Seager’s previous accomplishments as a shortstop, including being the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year and the 2020 World Series MVP, helped boost his value, there were concerns about his durability and ability to stay at shortstop.
Bellinger, a center fielder and first baseman, had a better platform season than Seager, but teams were not convinced that his bounceback was sustainable. Additionally, Bellinger faced the challenges of a tepid market with limited options due to reduced spending by high-payroll clubs and uncertainty surrounding future local television revenues for some teams.
Scott Boras, known for identifying teams willing to spend on his clients, may have overplayed his hand with Bellinger and other members of the Boras Four – Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman. The article questions whether Boras could have secured better deals for his clients if he had aimed lower initially.
The repercussions of Bellinger’s contract terms becoming public could potentially impact negotiations for Snell, Montgomery, and Chapman, who may also settle for similar “bridge” contracts. It is unlikely that San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations, Farhan Zaidi, will change his stance in negotiations with Boras. Other clubs may also be less likely to relent in negotiations.
Despite the challenges faced in the market, Bellinger’s future remains promising. The article highlights that even if Boras may blame the regression in the market and the financial retreat of some clubs, Bellinger’s career earnings of nearly $150 million, thanks to Boras, and his chance of securing a substantial deal after this season or the next, suggest that he will be fine.
The article concludes by emphasizing that while the contract may not have met Scott Boras’ initial expectations, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer would likely be pleased with signing Bellinger for three years and $80 million. The article highlights the potential future trends related to these themes, but also invites readers to draw their own unique predictions and recommendations for the industry.
In conclusion, Cody Bellinger’s contract negotiation with the Chicago Cubs and the implications it may have for other clients represented by Scott Boras are discussed in this article. The potential future trends related to these themes are analyzed, and readers are encouraged to form their own predictions and recommendations. Overall, the article highlights the challenges faced in the market and the importance of proving oneself to secure better contracts.