Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's season took an unfortunate turn on Thursday when the team placed him on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury happened during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Cionel Perez, a left-handed reliever, hit Bellinger with a pitch in the seventh inning. Despite the pain, Bellinger managed to stay in the game briefly before eventually being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
With Bellinger sidelined, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move. Canario, a young 23-year-old talent, will now have an opportunity to make an impact at the major league level as the Cubs seek to manage without one of their key players. Bellinger's injury comes at a critical juncture in the season as the Cubs currently hold a 44-49 record, trailing by 10 games in the National League Central and sitting 3 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot in the National League.
Impact on Bellinger's Season and the Cubs
Bellinger, who turns 29 this Saturday, has been a vital component of the Cubs' lineup. Before the injury, he was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. His contributions this season have amounted to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference's estimates. While Bellinger isn't matching his 2023 performance levels, he remains an above-average contributor capable of holding down the center field position.
One insider remarked, "We'll concede that Bellinger isn't having as good of a year as he did in 2023, and that teams may have additional concerns about his unusual profile as a result." This nuanced view raises questions about the Cubs' strategy as the trade deadline approaches. Another insider suggested, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
Trade Speculation and Future Considerations
Bellinger's current contract with the Cubs allows him to opt out after each season, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. "Remember," an insider noted, "his three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, meaning there's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025." This opt-out clause makes the trade market for Bellinger a potentially volatile environment. Teams vying for his services might be wary of his ability to sustain performance or may leverage the uncertainty to negotiate a lower return.
"That, in turn, could make it more likely that he stays in place — either because teams are concerned he'll opt-in and decline, or because teams try to use that possibility to leverage the Cubs into a worse return," another insider added. But there's always the potential for Bellinger to heat up before the deadline, which would change the dynamics significantly. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things, however, and even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something."
Next Steps for the Cubs
In the immediate term, the Cubs have turned to young talent Alexander Canario to fill the void left by Bellinger's injury. Canario joins the team with high hopes and pressure to perform as the Cubs look to stay competitive in a tightly contested season.
The Cubs' upcoming schedule includes wrapping up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals. These games will be critical as the team tries to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot. How manager David Ross and the Cubs navigate this period without Bellinger could have long-lasting implications on their season's trajectory and their decision-making as the trade deadline approaches.
Bellinger's injury is a setback, but it also opens a window into the strategic thinking of the Cubs' front office. Whether they choose to trade Bellinger or keep him as they push for a playoff spot will be a storyline to follow closely as the season progresses.