The Chicago Cubs are anticipated to face loads of competitors in the event that they need to deliver outfielder Cody Bellinger again on a long-term deal.
The group is aware of that’s the actuality after Bellinger’s standout 12 months in Chicago the place loved his time and regained his standing as a middle-of-the-order menace.
“Obviously, in the years prior to coming to the Cubs, he had a partial performance due to just lack of strength — he had surgery, broken leg, all those things,” his agent Scott Boras mentioned Wednesday on the MLB common managers conferences. “But I think it’s pretty evident that when you have youth, you’re 28, you’re a rare free agent, you have a lot of options.”
And then Boras added a trademark quip: “But when he came to Chicago he just feasted on major-league pitching. I think Chicago got the comforts of a full Belli so they’re gonna have to loosen their belts to keep Bellinger.”
The Cubs did make a qualifying supply of $20.3 million for 2024 to Bellinger on Monday, which he’s anticipated to say no. Bellinger instructed Boras to take a look at the complete gamut of big-league groups, hearken to all people, after which he’ll make his determination.
“Cody did have a great experience in Chicago. It’s a wonderful place to play, but where Cody can play and play well, he feels he can play well anywhere,” Boras mentioned. “A lot of this has to do with ownership, it has to do with their commitment, it has to do with their vision of what they’re going to do to develop the other track, to do the other things that are necessary to make this club a continual winner over a long period of time.”
Bellinger confirmed his elite protection nonetheless performs at first base the place he began 44 video games for the Cubs, although nearly all of groups are specializing in him in middle subject, Boras mentioned. As for the timing and the way lengthy into the offseason Bellinger may stay in the marketplace, Boras doesn’t anticipate the courtship of Shohei Ohtani to influence Bellinger’s course of as a result of Ohtani is famously a beginning pitcher and designated hitter whereas Bellinger is an on a regular basis subject participant so “those platforms of demand are very different.”
“I think Bellinger’s a fit for most teams because he’s a Gold Glove-type first baseman, center field, he can play four positions, hit in the middle of the lineup, provide power,” Boras mentioned. “I wouldn’t know any team that wouldn’t want that.”
A profitable long-term deal for Bellinger hinges on groups’ perception that 2023 was the beginning of the 28-year-old former National League MVP recapturing his standing as one of many sport’s high sluggers and never a one-year aberration following two terrible seasons in Los Angeles. Bellinger was voted by his friends because the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year within the MLB Players Association awards.
Boras mentioned Bellinger’s scenario reminds him of ex-Dodger shortstop Corey Seager’s free company earlier than he inked a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers earlier than the 2022 season.
“When you have the aroma of youth, you’re an MVP, see how many players sniff that cologne and the essence of Bellinger is very rare in this game,” Boras mentioned. “When you look at it, you understand that this is something that every team wants it on their vanity, no doubt.”
The Cubs’ offseason plans will function a wide range of paths to pursue, each in free company and thru trades. Boras additionally represents two intriguing stars who shall be coming into their remaining season earlier than free company: Padres outfielder Juan Soto and Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Boras mentioned the Mets, now led by crew president David Stearns, view Alonso as a core piece to their crew. On Alonso’s finish, he has directed Boras to hearken to what the Mets say a couple of potential contract extension and go from there.
“We let (Stearns) know that when it comes to the Polar Bear, we’re not in contract hibernation,” Boras mentioned.
When the Padres outlined their plans to him for 2024, their lineup “definitely” contains the 25-year-old Soto, Boras famous.
“They’re looking for more left-handed bats instead of less, that’s for sure,” Boras mentioned. “They’re telling us they’re trying to win and will be very aggressive in a free-agent market.”
First baseman Rhys Hoskins is also an intriguing energy choice with nice on-base expertise for a Cubs lineup that desperately extra quick-strike offense. Asked whether or not Bellinger’s 2023 take care of the Cubs is an effective comparability for Hoskins, Boras mentioned, “Certainly there’s potential for a pillow contract.” Hoskins, who turns 31 in March, missed your complete season after tearing his ACL in spring coaching.
“Rhys got a chance to get really ramped up almost to be World Series ready in (Florida) because the Phillies wanted to add him to their World Series roster, so he’s way ahead of his conditioning thing and really very much back to full speed,” Boras mentioned. “The power of Rhys, his leadership, all those things, are really demonstrated in a major market and on championship levels, hitting championship pitching. I think Rhys’ Pieces fits all team puzzles.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com