BORAS FOUR CAST
Where superagent’s remaining stars might land in free agency
WITH Cody Bellinger back with the Cubs where he belongs, there’s still a “Boras Four” on the market as the calendar turns to March.
Credit the Cubs for holding their ground. But the $80 million deal with two opt-outs works nicely for Bellinger, who’s likely to be a free agent a third straight year while still in his 20s. Though many foresaw a long deal for Bellinger, in reality, teams liked him mostly for five years, which didn’t work for him since there’s no upside to hitting free agency at 33.
A remaining Boras Four — counting 36-yearold DH J.D. Martinez, who batted cleanup hitter in the All-Star Game last year — are still out there. Teams apparently see flaws beyond what we do, surprisingly so in the case of reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell — who posted a 1.20 ERA after May 25, exactly twice as good as the next best starter (Kyle Bradish, 2.40).
In any case, the guessing game for landing spots continues. Here’s our best guesses …
1. Blake Snell: If the Yankees get him, they possess the game’s best onetwo pitching combo and become World Series favorites, even over the Dodgers. But they also incur an extra $30M in luxury tax. The Yankees like him (Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge are believed fans), but that tax is a hurdle. Meantime, the Giants have room under the threshold, the wherewithal, extra incentive since fans are clamoring for stars and now two rotation injuries (Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn). Best guess: Giants. Other guesses: Yankees, Angels. 2. Jordan Montgomery: Though Snell is willing to do short term with opt-outs, the consistent, durable Montgomery is looking long. The Red Sox held a Zoom call, but it feels like ownership is concentrating on golf, soccer, hockey and expanding its sports empire. The Rangers RSN issue was resolved, but ownership incentive probably fell when they won the World Series (Montgomery helped there, ironically enough). The Mets have discussed it internally. The Yankees seem to prefer Snell. The Giants could be in play if they don’t get Snell. Best guess: Rangers. Other guesses: Giants, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Yankees. 3. Matt Chapman: An injury season when he played through hand pain and hit .240 (.210 after April) is giving teams pause. Giants manager Bob Melvin is a big fan from A’s days. Best guess: Giants. Other guesses: Cubs, Jays, Mariners. 4. J.D. Martinez: He’d be perfect to bat behind slugging star Pete Alonso, but the Mets have the same fourth-tier tax situation as the Yankees. The Giants offered $15M, but he turned it down.