SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) – Super-agent Scott Boras on Wednesday held his annual hour-long media session at the GM Meetings, and he did so without tipping his hand on the destination of center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, one of his best clients.
After producing a terrific season while playing for the Cubs on a one-year deal in 2023, the 28-year-old Bellinger will have numerous suitors for his services this offseason. The Yankees, the Dodgers and the Angels are all believed to be interested in Bellinger along with the Cubs, and other suitors will emerge as well.
“You got a five-tool player and before coming to the Cubs, he had only the ability to give a partial performance due to an injury and lack of strength,” Boras said in reference to Bellinger’s struggles with the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022. “He had surgery, a broken leg, all of those things. I do think it's pretty evident when you have youth – and he is only 28 – you are a rare free agent.”
Bellinger hit .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and an .881 OPS in 130 games for the Cubs this past season, when he won National League Comeback Player of the Year honors. Bellinger is a superb defender in both the outfield and at first base as well.
Most teams that have checked in with Boras about Bellinger have focused on him playing center field. Many around baseball believe that Bellinger will land a six- or seven-year deal worth around $27 million annually.
The Cubs will be proactive in both free agency and on the trade market this winter. They’re also set to be in the crowded sweepstakes for star two-way player Shohei Ohtani, a development that may take precedence for them over making an early bid for Bellinger this offseason.
“You have a lot of options for him," Boras said. "When he went to Chicago, he feasted on major league pitching. Chicago got the comforts of a full Belli, so the Cubs are going to have to loosen their belts to keep Bellinger.”
Whatever the degree of the Cubs’ interest in Bellinger is, Boras expects a robust market for him.
"When teams witness the fact that you have a 28-year-old player with Bellinger’s ability, they go well past what you expect in interest,” Boras said. "They are willing to remove players from their existing roster to make room (economically) for someone with Bellinger’s ability. There is broad interest in Cody Bellinger, because in the first base and outfield market, he is the young jewel."
On the topic of other players, Boras downplayed the possibility of Padres star outfielder Juan Soto and Mets first baseman Pete Alonso – a pair of his clients who each have one year left on their contracts – being traded by their teams this winter. The Cubs have interest in both players should they hit the trade market.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.