Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list after suffering a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning, delivered by left-handed reliever Cionel Perez. Despite staying in the game initially, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger's injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Canario, at just 23 years old, will be stepping in as the Cubs look to cover the gap left by Bellinger's absence in the lineup.
Bellinger's Season Performance
Entering Thursday, Bellinger was batting .269/.331/.410, with an OPS+ of 107. He had contributed nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases to the Cubs' season. Despite these respectable numbers, whispers around the league suggest that Bellinger isn't quite performing at the level he did in 2023. Baseball Reference estimates Bellinger's contributions to be around 1.1 Wins Above Replacement this season, hinting at a solid yet not spectacular performance.
Impact on Cubs' Strategy
The Cubs, holding a 44-49 record, find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. This injury complicates the Cubs' strategy as the trade deadline approaches. According to insiders, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
The decision isn't straightforward. Bellinger's three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, which offers no assurances that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025. As one insider noted, "Remember, 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."
A Complex Trade Market Scenario
Adding to the complexity, "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," another insider explained. These concerns could drive teams to leverage the Cubs into a less favorable return if they sense a lack of security on Bellinger's future performance. "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."
However, Bellinger remains a valuable asset in the field and at the plate. "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," pointed out an insider, leaving room for optimism among Cubs fans and management alike.
Next Steps for the Cubs
The Cubs are facing an immediate challenge as they wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles before moving on to a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The pressure will be on the newly promoted Canario and other team members to step up during Bellinger's absence.
As the trade deadline looms, the Cubs must weigh their options carefully. Bellinger’s opt-out clause, combined with his current performance metrics, creates a multifaceted scenario that could take several twists and turns before a final decision is made. For now, all eyes will be on how the Cubs adapt to this sudden curveball in their season.