Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman Develop Similar Off-Season Markets, Raising Stakes as Scott Boras Works His Magic

Matt Chapman and Cody Bellinger are in a similar boat, the two Scott Boras clients. They’ve had great seasons, not-so-great seasons, and then a good comeback. Though both managed to stage a rally of sorts, currently their free agency seems to be going quietly. But the similarity doesn’t end there.

Both Chapman and Bellinger seem to be having an identical market response. Though seeing the two on the same team seems to be a long shot, it sure won’t surprise people if the team linked with one slugger goes on to sign the other.

Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman are similar yet different

The free agencies of both Bellinger and Chapman have gone on rather quietly till now. At first glance, it looks like the demand is low but one never knows with Scott Boras. He likes to play it late with his clients, after all. Bryce Harper waited till March to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. Even if the agent is waiting for the right time, both his clients are being fancied by the same teams.

CBS Sports said about Chapman and Bellinger, “They seem tied together”. This is because they are. Apart from them being Scott Boras’s clients, both are linked with the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs for similar reasons. Chapman played in the Blue Jays and Bellinger played in the Cubs. And these were the teams where both created a comeback of sorts for themselves.

The Blue Jays signed Isiah Kiner-Falefa to replace Chapman but it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like Chapman back, especially as his departure has considerably weakened their defensive prowess. At the same time, the Blue Jays are the frontrunners for Cody Bellinger as well.

On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs have been linked with Bellinger since the beginning of the offseason. Interestingly, the massive hole in their third base makes Chapman a perfect signing for the North Siders. In Chapman, they can also get a good defender who can provide big hits.

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There’s yet another commonality between Chapman and Bellinger – the need for a massive deal.

This could be the final chance for both Boras’ clients

In the past few years, Cody Bellinger has been troubled immensely by injuries. At 28, he’s gradually reaching the end of his physical peak. Though players have signed big deals even in their thirties with Bellinger’s injury history as well as consistency issues, this could be that big chance for him to get a big payday. 

This is even more true for Matt Chapman. He’s 31 and has visibly declined from his previous high levels. With both of these players desperate for a big deal, Boras will have to start doing his magic soon.

Read more: If the Cubs Pull Out, Is Cody Bellinger’s $300 Million Free Agency in Trouble?