Opinion: Is Scott Boras Losing his Touch?

The Boras Four seem to have lost some bargaining power.

Blake SnellPhoto byCreative Commons: docjeffhyde

Scott Boras is known as one of the toughest negotiators in MLB. Generally, he extracts top dollar for his client. And generally, for a long period of time. When teams sign a Boras client to a long-term deal, it’s generally a given that the last few years of the contract will be a huge overpay. But it hasn’t played out that way for all of the Boras clients this year.

The so-called Boras Four of Bellinger, Chapman, Montgomery and Snell are still unsigned, and pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training. Of those four clients, the one I’ve followed most closely is Cody Bellinger. Bellinger and the Cubs are a great fit, but obviously Boras/Bellinger and the Cubs haven’t gotten together.

I don’t think Bellinger is getting $200 million

Bellenger hasn’t gotten it yet, and it seems like the market for Bellinger is shrinking, not growing. No doubt Boras is hoping some team will get desperate and cave. I’m not sure that’s happening this time.

I honestly think that teams are tired of Boras holding them hostage. While teams will deal with Boras, it’s Plan B. Or C. And I really don’t blame them.

When Jed Hoyer traded for Michael Busch, he was covering his rear end in the event Bellinger didn’t resign with the Cubs.

And the Rangers resigning Jordan Montgomery isn’t looking that promising either

Rangers GM, Chris Young said the team is probably done making additions. That would seem to diminish Montgomery’s bargaining power. Still, a lot of teams would welcome Montgomery, just not at his current asking price.

The Blake Snell market has also been quiet

The Yankees reportedly offered Snell a contract of six years at $162 million. Snell reported asking price is nine years at $270 million. I don’t think he’s going to get it. Out of all the numbers have heard, Snell’s seem the most inflated.

Matt Chapman could be the most reasonably priced of the Boras Four

Look for Chapman to sign for 3–4 years at $20–22 million. However, if Bellinger signs first, Chapman’s market probably shrinks some more. It’s like Boras’ clients are playing a multi-million-dollar game of musical chairs.

Somebody is going to lose.

And for a change, it might be a Boras client.