CHICAGO, IL – It seems that the negotiations for Cody Bellinger’s contract didn’t go as planned for Scott Boras. After Bellinger agreed to a reported three-year, $80 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, including opt-outs for the player, other teams pursuing Boras’ free-agent clients might be more encouraged to hold firm on their offers.
Bellinger’s contract allows him to re-enter the free-agent market next year, potentially landing a more lucrative deal than his current one. Despite initial projections of six years, $162 million or even 12 years, $264 million, Bellinger settled for a deal where he will have to prove himself again to earn a bigger contract in the future.
Similarly, Carlos Correa opted out of a three-year, $105.3 million deal with the Minnesota Twins to secure a six-year, $200 million contract. However, Correa could have potentially signed even more lucrative contracts with the San Francisco Giants or New York Mets if not for concerns about his physical condition.
Other Boras clients like Adrían Beltré, Dallas Keuchel, and Mike Moustakas have also started with lesser contracts before securing better deals later. Despite his previous achievements last season, finishing 10th in the National League MVP voting and winning NL Comeback Player of the Year, Bellinger will need to excel once again to prove his worth.
While Bellinger’s contract ranks comparatively lower in terms of average annual value, his age and performance will play crucial roles in potential future deals. Unlike other Boras clients who signed big contracts after proving themselves, Bellinger faces the challenge of living up to expectations following a season of mixed performance.
The limited market options for Bellinger were influenced by reduced spending from high-payroll clubs like the Mets and Padres, as well as uncertainty with future local television revenues for various teams. As other Boras clients like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman negotiate their contracts, they may follow Bellinger’s lead with “bridge” contracts amidst a cautious free-agent market.
The regression in the market and financial constraints facing clubs have led to uncertainties for both players and agents like Boras. Despite the challenges, Bellinger remains in a strong position with significant career earnings and the potential for a substantial future deal. Although the current deal may not have met initial expectations, Bellinger’s future remains promising, offering opportunities for significant growth in his career.
In conclusion, the negotiations for Bellinger’s contract reveal the evolving dynamics of the baseball free-agent market. The ramifications of Bellinger settling for a lesser deal could potentially impact future negotiations for other Boras clients. Despite the challenges, Bellinger and his agent remain optimistic about the player’s future prospects, banking on his talent and performance to secure a lucrative deal down the line.