Boras Hoyer Discuss Bellinger Signin

The Cubs reintroduced at a pre s conference this morning. The two-time All-Star was alongside agent Scott Boras and Chicago president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to discu s his protracted free agent proce s ( ). At the start of the offseason, few wouldve expected Bellinger settling for a three-year guarantee worth $80MM. His camp began the winter in search of a much larger offer, reportedly seeking upwards of $200MM. Unsurprisingly, no one confirmed the precise contract terms that Bellinger had sought, although the former MVP conceded he initially expected an extended deal. Yeah, I think theres definitely that thought that goes into it , Bellinger said when asked if he anticipated signing a long-term contract. Ultimately, thats the goal. I talked to Scott continuously to see what was going on. At the end of the day, Im super excited how it all worked out. Yes, obviously (thought about a longer deal), but Im very excited with it all and very happy to get going. With the offseason nearing an end, its clear that teams werent going to meet Bellingers asking price on that kind of contract. At that point, he moved to the much shorter term with the ability to opt out and retest free agency in either of the next two offseasons. Hell collect $30MM for the upcoming Jan Rutta Jersey season. If he repeats his 2023 production, hell almost certainly take another swing at a ma sive contract this time without a qualifying offer attached and with potentially greater confidence around the league that he has put his dismal 2021-22 campaigns behind him. Boras suggested that Bellinger was always targeting one of those outcomes: either an especially long-term deal or a short-term pact with opt-outs. Cody and I agreed that were going to look at this in a couple ways. Were going to have two positive outcomes for this proce s. O ur dynamic was to determine what it was on the other end with a contract of great length. As we got through that proce s and looked to it, thats certainly where we let Jed know that on something like this with this kind of structure, with this kind of flexibility, with these kinds of things, is what were looking for. We had mutual agreement and understanding that this type of structure was agreeable to both of us. Bellingers youth certainly plays a part in that. He turns 29 in July, leaving open the po sibility of seeking another long-term pact next winter. His camp seemed to prefer that to locking in a five- or six-year contract that wouldve guaranteed more than $80MM but wasnt close to his initial asking price and wouldnt have allowed him to get back to the market. The short term with the higher annual salary works well for the Cubs. Bellinger offers cover in both center field and at first base. Chicago had been set to turn to highly-touted but unproven players in and at those respective positions. The move pushes the Cubs to a franchise high in terms of player spending. calculates their 2024 payroll around $222MM. Theyre at $234MM in estimated luxury tax commitments, just below the $237MM base threshold. Its probable the Cubs will up end up paying the CBT if theyre as competitive as they hope. Even if this is their final move of the offseason, any salary taken on in midseason acquisitions counts against the CBT on a prorated basis. Hoyer predictably declined to answer when asked if ownership was willing to pay the luxury tax. He noted that its his expectation theyll carry this roster into the season, although he indicated the front office will stay open to opportunities. Obviously, were never going to stop looking. Never put a final nail in that because things come up all the time trades, free agents. But, its the 28th of February, so I think thats the expectation, though I would never rule anything out. Quentin Musty Jersey