Las Vegas — Scott Boras Talks Cody Bellinger’s Future

It was an interesting scene, although, admittedly, something felt a bit off—maybe Tom Cruise should have been there, adding some flair while the Top Gun theme played. But on Wednesday, super-agent Scott Boras shared his thoughts on his free agent client Cody Bellinger, who is poised to be a key target for the Yankees this offseason.

Boras labeled the Yankees as the “ideal team” for Bellinger during his first (and probably only) season in New York. Yet, he underscored the fact that the 30-year-old player might come with a hefty price tag.

“Honestly, he’s the sole free agent outfielder worth considering,” Boras remarked during the annual meeting at the Cosmopolitan, slyly referencing Cruise’s famous role. “In the last 25 years, when you think about all the free agent outfielders, he stood out as the top gun in his category. Defensively, he’s versatile enough to play all three outfield positions and first base. Offensively, he packs a punch in the batting lineup, similar to a Marlin with his power and productivity. Plus, Belli is unique; a guy under 30 who has played in LA, Chicago, and New York—very much an urban maverick.”

Now, while Kyle Tucker is another prominent name among free agents this offseason, Bellinger isn’t far behind. Boras mentioned that discussions with the Yankees have already begun following Bellinger’s solid performance this past season—he wrapped up with a .272 batting average, .813 OPS, and 29 home runs, opting out of the final year of his contract which still had $25 million owed.

From the looks of it, Bellinger has been enjoying his time in New York since being traded from the Cubs, and Boras noted, “The whole setup worked well for him and for them.”

However, Bellinger won’t lack competition in the free agent market; the Mets and possibly the Dodgers (his former team) are both possible suitors.

Boras elaborated on Bellinger’s market presence, stating, “In Los Angeles, he was a Hollywood sensation aiming for a championship and MVP. After winning Comeback Player of the Year, he adapted to Chicago’s vibe as the ‘Windy City Wolfman.’ And in New York, he proved he could perform under pressure, helping the Yankees in their playoff quest.”

Moreover, “The best part? Bellinger isn’t tied to a qualifying offer anymore. That obstacle is behind him. He’s a player the team needs—there’s no denying it. We absolutely need Bellinger to keep up his momentum.”