Chicago Cubs fans received unwelcome news on Thursday as it was announced that star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, when Bellinger was hit by a pitch thrown by lefty reliever Cionel Perez during the seventh inning.
Bellinger initially remained in the game but was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs have since recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the roster vacancy left by Bellinger's injury.
Impact on the Cubs
This injury adds another layer of complexity to a Cubs season that has been marked by inconsistency. Entering Thursday, the Cubs held a 44-49 record, placing them 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games short of the final wild-card spot in the National League. With Bellinger sidelined, the Cubs' strategy leading up to the trade deadline becomes even more uncertain.
"With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," an insider suggested. This situation is further complicated by Bellinger's contract, which allows him to opt out after each season of his three-year deal. "There's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025," an insider added. Given his current form and contract situation, the Cubs find themselves in a precarious position.
Bellinger's Performance
Prior to the injury, Bellinger had been hitting .269/.331/.410 with an OPS+ of 107, along with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. These statistics, while solid, indicate that Bellinger is not having as stellar of a year as he did in 2023. According to Baseball Reference's estimates, his contributions amount to 1.1 Wins Above Replacement this season. An insider noted, "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 could impact his trade value and the Cubs' decisions moving forward.
Trade Deadline Conundrum
The looming trade deadline presents a pivotal moment for the Cubs. One insider pointed out, "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." Bellinger's ability to opt out adds another layer of uncertainty to his trade value. A strong performance upon his return could alter perceptions, but as it stands, his current contributions still make him an above-average player.
"A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things," the insider remarked. "Even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something."
Youth Movement
In Bellinger's absence, 23-year-old Alexander Canario has been promoted from Triple-A Iowa. Canario will have an opportunity to showcase his skills at the major league level, providing a glimpse of the Cubs' future outfield potential. The Cubs' immediate schedule includes wrapping up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, followed by a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Canario’s performance during this critical stretch could potentially influence the team's decisions as the trade deadline approaches.
As the Cubs navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on how they handle Bellinger's injury and what moves they make before the trade deadline. Whether they decide to keep their star outfielder or entertain trade discussions could significantly impact the remainder of their season and their plans for the future.