As we gradually progress to the New Year, should we start asking questions about Cody Bellinger? The slugger’s free agency has turned into a massive no-event. With little to no takers for his alleged $300 million demand, are we seeing a repeat of what we saw in 2022 with another Scott Boras client – Carlos Correa?

Though Scott Boras is known for making his clients wait before signing a deal, how much of the wait is out of his accord? Is it some master strategy or is the market just too thin for the former MVP?

The free agency of Cody Bellinger – A sequel to Carlos Correa?

There’s no denying that Bellinger is one of the most talented players currently in the league, but so was Carlos Correa last year. The slugger was famously linked with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets for massive $300 million plus contracts before being forced to return to the Minnesota Twins for $200 million. Gradually it’s looking like Bellinger might sail in the same boat too.

Correa had agreed to a 13-year $350 million deal with the Giants but then his physicals were unsatisfactory and the deal collapsed. Then he was linked to the Mets for a 12-year $315 million deal but again the physicals didn’t have satisfactory results. Correa ultimately returned to the Twins for a value that was way below his market value. Interestingly, earlier in the offseason the Twins had offered him a better $285 million contract which he rejected.

The same could happen with Bellinger as well. Even though the slugger is coming off of a great season, his 3 consecutive terrible seasons have left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Most executives are worried about Bellinger’s long-term viability as well as health. The slugger struggled with injuries from 2020 to 2022 due to his aggressive plays, which is something he hasn’t changed even now. 

Watch This Story: Could Cody Bellinger’s Yankees Roots Influence His Free Agency Fate?

With the risks of a late desperate deal increasing, is this a strategy of Scott Boras or are we seeing a chink in his armor?

Is Scott Boras playing 4D Chess? 

The more Boras delays Cody Bellinger’s deal the more his demand can increase. Especially in teams that find themselves lagging in positional players during this offseason. Even though Bellinger comes with risks at his peak he’s one of the biggest game-changers in baseball.

It’s even more true now with Bellinger changing a bit of his hitting style. The slugger has added the ability to exploit gaps in the field during his hitting. With this, he has become a player who one can count on to create singles and doubles at regular intervals. Teams would love a player like this. Perhaps it’s still too early to ring alarm bells in this free agency.