MLB Updates: Scott Boras Clients Begin Spring Training Without a Team? Overwhelming Contract Demands Impact Bellinger and Snell

Tough times create tough men, but sometimes tough men create tougher times. This could be the story of Scott Boras and his clients, Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell. Even though both these stars have a big list of suitors, the huge demands by Boras have affected the interest of most of these teams. With the clock ticking towards the Spring Training, things could be growing difficult for the star duo. 

Despite the market experiencing a huge lack of positional players, Bellinger has failed to attract much interest. Either because of his high price or because of worries about his long-term form, things haven’t clicked for Cody Love. The same has happened with Snell. Now with the duo possibly heading into the Spring Training without a deal, is there a good way out for them?

Scott Boras struggles to get his clients a big deal

Ever since USA Today’s Bob Nightengale shared that Snell expects a $240 million contract, things became clear regarding his slow free agency. The New York Yankees had given him a $5 year, 150 million contract but the ace wanted one more year added or his salary increased. Therein lies the risk that has pushed a few teams away. 

Despite winning the Cy Young award in 2023, Snell is still a risky player. While he hasn’t completely collapsed in any season, the ace tends to be a little streaky. Even 2023 showed it – as he had a bad start, was truly elite in the middle, and ended with a few bad games. As a result, it becomes tough to guess what version of Snell will show up on any given day.

The other Boras client, Cody Bellinger, also suffers from the same fate, but on a bigger level. Unlike Snell, Bellinger has seen the lowest of lows between 2020 to 2022. Not only did he dip below his level, but he couldn’t even maintain the league average in most of the stats. So even after a huge comeback in 2023, there are still doubts about him slipping back to his bad days. So a potential $200 deal becomes risky.

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The heavy pricing has only made these risky players an even bigger risk. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for Scott Boras.

Signs of life in the duo’s free agencies

New York Post’s Jon Heyman recently reported that the Los Angeles Angels “like” Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell. But owner Arte Moreno famously has a less preference for a pitcher. Simultaneously, the Cubs have continuously made their feelings known for Bellinger. But they too, have not shown interest in meeting the demands of Boras.

And that’s where it all boils down to. Could the huge demands of the superagent be actively hurting his clients? One shouldn’t be too quick to make that judgment as Boras has always found a way. Tough times become good when resilient individuals step in and Boras is the toughest of them all.

Read more: Getting to the Bottom of the Blake Snell Debate – Overrated or Underrated?