Scott Boras *Creative Commons/MissChatter)
Scott Boras was the kingpin of MLB’s last offseason. Free agency seemingly came to a halt while His Highness directed his clients in the direction they should go. While that may seem like an indictment of Boras, it’s actually the result of owners capitulating to Boras’ demands for years.
While this season’s upper echelon of free agents isn’t faring particularly well, the class of 2022’s off season isn’t looking that great either. It could result in a lessening of Boras’ power. Here’s a look at how the Boras Five are doing this season.
J.D. Martinez
JD’s numbers are down a bit. He’s currently carrying an OPS of .767 against a career OPS of .871. JD is 36 so age might well be a factor in the decline. Signing on March 24 probably did help. The Mets might flip him at the trade deadline. JD signed for $12 million for one year. That seems about right.
Cody Bellinger
After a great 2023 season, Cody has come back to earth in 2024. He has an OPS of .756 compared to last season’s .881 and a career mark of .824. Bellinger’s asking price was reportedly $300 million in the off season. He signed for $27.5 million for 2024 and has a player option for $27.5 million for 2025 and another player option of $25 million for 2026. Look for him to exercise those options. I don’t believe there’s any team out there that wishes they had signed Bellinger for something like eight years and $240 million.
Matt Chapman
Matt is arguably having the best season of the Boras Five. Chapman is playing his usual stellar defense at third while providing some power with eight home runs. His WAR sits at an excellent 2.0. And he’s working on a salary of $18 million this season. Matt has a player option of $18 million for 2025 and another option of $17 million for 2026. That seems like a decent contract for both parties.
Blake Snell
In an injury-plagued 2024 season, Snell has a record of 0-3 with an ERA of 9.89. All for a mere $32 million. Then there’s the player option of $30 million for the 2025 season. Anybody think he won’t exercise that option?
Jordan Montgomery
Montgomery was so pleased with Boras’ work that he now has new management. He’s not enjoying a good year in Arizona with a record of 3-4 and an ERA of 6.80. And his salary? $25 million for 2024, with a player option of $20-25 million, depending on if he starts 10 games in 2024. He’s started nine, so I expect he’ll reach his bonus mark.
But it could be worse. In 2022, Xander Bogaerts signed a 10-year contract with the Padres for over $25 million a year. Things seem to be going downhill for Scott. At least when it comes to his MLB clients.
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