Blake Snell leads ‘Boras Four’ awaiting MLB landing spots

With Cody Bellinger back with the Cubs where he belongs, theres still a Boras Four on the market as the calendar turns to March.

Credit the Cubs for holding their ground. But the $80 million deal with two opt-outs works nicely for Bellinger, whos likely to be a free agent a third straight year while still in his 20s. Though many foresaw a long deal for Bellinger, in reality, teams liked him mostly for five years, which didnt work for him since theres no upside to hitting free agency at 33.

A remaining Boras Four counting 36-year-old DH J.D. Martinez, who batted cleanup hitter in the All-Star Game last year are still out there. Teams apparently see flaws beyond what we do, surprisingly so in the case of reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell who posted a 1.20 ERA after May 25, exactly twice as good as the next best starter (Kyle Bradish, 2.40).

In any case, the guessing game for landing spots continues. Heres our best guesses

1. Blake Snell

If the Yankees get him, they possess the games best one-two pitching combo and become World Series favorites, even over the Dodgers. But they also incur an extra $30M in luxury tax. The Yankees like him (Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge are believed fans), but that tax is a hurdle. Meantime, the Giants have room under the threshold, the wherewithal, extra incentive snce fans are clamoring for stars and now two rotation injuries (Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn).

Blake Snell remains out there for any team willing to pony up. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConBest guess: GiantsOther guesses: Yankees, Angels.

2. Jordan Montgomery

Though Snell is willing to do short term with opt-outs, the consistent, durable Montgomery is looking long. The Red Sox held a Zoom call, but it feels like ownership is concentrating on golf, soccer, hockey and expanding its sports empire. The Rangers RSN issue was resolved, but ownership incentive probably fell when they won the World Series (Montgomery helped there, ironically enough). The Mets have discussed it internally. The Yankees seem to prefer Snell. The Giants could be in play if they dont get Snell

Best guess: Rangers Other guesses: Giants, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Yankees.

3. Matt Chapman

An injury season when he played through hand pain and hit .240 (.210 after April) is giving teams pause. Giants manager Bob Melvin is a big fan from As days.

Matt Chapman seems likely to have a home in San Francisco if he wants it. Getty ImagesBest guess: Giants Other guesses: Cubs, Jays, Mariners.

4. J.D. Martinez

Hed be perfect to bat behind slugging star Pete Alonso, but the Mets have the same fourth-tier tax situation as the Yankees. The Giants offered $15M, but he turned it down.

Best guess: Rangers Other guesses: Angels, Mets, Giants.