Is Scott Boras Failing Cody Bellinger Despite $300 Million Free Agency Expectations?

One of the biggest mysteries of this offseason has been the free agency of Cody Bellinger. The shortstop has been an enigma in recent years. Bellinger followed his MVP award in 2019 with three seasons of terrible baseball. Such was his downfall that many wrote him off completely but then he made a tremendous comeback in 2023. Why is he not getting his ducks in a row and achieving what he desires?

A client of the legendary super agent Scott Boras, he was expected to have a great offseason. But as of now, Cody Love isn’t getting much love from the league. Is Boras dropping the ball for his client, or is this just a strategic chess move in the long game?

The astounding lack of movement in the free agency of Cody Bellinger

It was expected that Bellinger would be a tough sell after his consecutive terrible seasons between 2020 and 2022. But one hoped that after a good 2023, at least a few teams would be interested in the 28-year-old. But as the offseason has progressed, it has become clearer that Bellinger’s links are reducing. 

Initially, Cody Love was linked with the New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs, and the San Francisco Giants. Now with the Yankees getting Juan Soto and the Giants making their own super Korean signing, things look cold on these links for Bellinger. On the other hand, the Cubs are still reluctant to get him, especially after reports emerged that Bellinger is looking for an over $300 million contract.

This has led to a shocking lack of movement in his free agency. Even though the recent entry of the Toronto Blue Jays did create a little excitement in everyone’s minds, nothing has come out of this deal after those initial reports. It makes one wonder – is the asking price just too high? And if that is the case could Boras be failing his client? 

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One mustn’t rush ahead with these sentiments as still a lot of Bellinger’s free agency is left. With Boras continuously commenting on Bellinger’s potential suitors, it looks like they’re playing a long game.

Scott Boras’ secret master plan?

This waiting around could just be Boras’ way of setting up a bidding war for Bellinger. Boras is constantly selling the qualities of Bellinger to the reporters. Like he recently commented on the Dodgers releasing Cody Love,  “Andrew knew he was going to return to MVP form. They had to make an economic decision. Cody is listening to everyone. There’s no exclusions.”

All of these comments plus Boras insisting that Bellinger has suitors point to a possible bidding war. Could they both be creating a perception of high demand and pushing things to the deadline to extract the biggest contract? It could be. Anything is possible with the super agent in charge.

Read more: In a Very Thin Market, Cody Bellinger Sweepstakes Narrows Down to Final Two Teams