Opinion: Cubs Remain Patient Despite Pressure to Sign Cody Bellinger

And that's not a bad thing.

Tom RickettsPhoto byCreative Commons: Dan Gaken from Mt. Pleasant, MI, United States

While the Boras Four remain at large, the Cubs, and all of the other 29 teams are going about their business. And that’s a two-edged sword for Boras and his crew. While an injury could create an urgency for Boras’ high-profile clients, teams will also have an opportunity to examine other inhouse options.

Many fans of MLB teams and sometimes their plays will pound the table for team ownership to sign high-priced free agents, there are reasons for teams to be cautious before shelling out a lot of money to sign big time free agents.

For Cubs fans, I have two words: Jason Heyward.

The Scott Boras Jedi mind trick

Cubs' owner, Tom Ricketts, recently talked about a Scott Boras negotiating ploy. Boras likes to speak directly to team owners. With the Cubs, that’s not happening. Ricketts indicated that Jed Hoyer would be doing the negotiating for the Cubs, and he wouldn’t be undercutting him.

I want the Cubs to sign Cody Bellinger, but…

There are reasons for the Cubs to be cautious regarding Bellinger. After all, Cody’s bounce back season was preceded by one lackluster and two outright bad seasons. Plus, not all of Bellinger’s metrics were great last season.

In addition, Fan Graphs projections for the offensive numbers of Bellinger and newly acquired Michael Busch are strikingly similar. In both cases, not great, though not bad. I wouldn’t be shocked if Michael Busch didn’t have a better offensive season than Cody Bellinger.

As for Pete Crow-Armstrong, his projections aren’t strong but are also not rancid.

More bats are on the way

In addition to Busch and Crow-Armstong, Owen Cassie and Matt Shaw could see playing time in Chicago in 2024. Cassie is a left-handed power-hitting outfielder who could also see action at first base.

Last season’s first round draft choice, Matt Shaw, tore it at the plate in High A and AA ball. He put together an OBP of .400 and a slugged .614. While he’s viewed primarily as a middle infielder, he should get some reps at third in spring training.

So, while they are by no means sure things, the Cubs are not without options when it comes to in-house bats.

The track record of Boras’ clients is mixed

While Corey Seager was a huge part of the Texas Rangers success, no doubt other teams are experiencing some buyer’s remorse. I doubt the Rockies are thrilled with Kris Bryant’s contact.

And while Xander Bogaerts had a decent year at the plate for Padres, he’s being converted to a second baseman, which diminishes his value. In looking at the record of Boras’ clients’ production, I’d venture to say there are more misses than hits.

If the Cubs don’t sign Bellinger…

There will be more money for the Cubs to use elsewhere. And I might be overly optimistic, but I think they will be active if they need something to take them to a division title.