Why high-profile agent Scott Boras says Bally Sports bankruptcy not impacting free agency
At least one prominent figure in the game doesn’t see the bankruptcy of Bally Sports’ parent company as a problem for the game, even with 14 teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, impacted by the loss of rights fees from the cable network — already realized or expected by the end of the year.
In fact, Scott Boras said he doesn’t believe it’s impacting player markets even this winter, based on conversations he’s having with teams.
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“I do not, no,” said Boras, who suggested the long-term financial prospects for the league are bullish as it prepares for a broadcast paradigm shift away from cable TV and toward streaming subscriptions.
Bullish enough that teams aren't shying away from multiyear commitments at any perceptible difference from previous years, he suggested.
He might be right about the long-term picture. And many in the game agree. But for now teams such as the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners acknowledge that spending reductions and payroll cuts this winter are related to the uncertainty.
Maybe Boras isn’t talking with those teams this winter.
His free agent clients include two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, World Series champ Jordan Montgomery, former MVP Cody Bellinger and Platinum Glove third baseman Matt Chapman.
The Reds signed one of his clients, pitcher Nick Martinez, to a two-year, $26 million deal.
And the Reds say it’s “full steam ahead” for them as they sign players and think playoffs in 2024 — even as the Bally bankruptcy might mean the effective end after the season of a contract that runs through 2032.
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They’ve committed $87 million to three free agents, including the three-year, $45 million deal for infielder Jeimer Candelario as the winter meetings concluded.
“It’s not about the demand for the product. It’s not about the fact that this is going to generate millions and millions more dollars for the game, the league, the owners,” Boras said of any uncertainty in the moment looking at the future of streaming. “It’s really how to do it.”
And, of course, how fast.
“For any caution they have,” Boras said, “the answer is: ‘I’m not sure I know how to walk to the ATM, but I know the ATM is there.’ “
So stay tuned.
If you can find the channel.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why Scott Boras says Bally uncertainty not crisis for Reds, others
