Part 4/8:
With interest flowing in from multiple contenders, including the Dodgers and the Cardinals, Boras's initial focus was on making Brown seem indispensable—an ace worth a fortune. The strategy was straightforward: generate competitiveness and drive up the price through fear of missing out.
A Bidding War and Increased Pressure
As negotiations progressed, the Padres were the first to express interest. However, with other teams ready to pay top dollar, the pressure mounted on the Padres to retain their prized asset. The Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa was even willing to exceed budgetary constraints to land Brown, increasing the stakes.