On Thursday, the Chicago Cubs faced a significant setback as star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, a mishap instigated by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Despite initially staying in the game, Bellinger was eventually substituted by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. The 23-year-old will now have the opportunity to step up and demonstrate his prowess on a larger stage as the Cubs navigate this unexpected hurdle.
Bellinger, who is set to turn 29 this Saturday, has been a crucial contributor to the Cubs this season. Before the injury, he boasted a batting line of .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. According to Baseball Reference, he has contributed an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this season. However, insiders have observed that Bellinger isn't having as impressive a year as he did in 2023.
Impact on the Cubs’ Season
The timing of Bellinger's injury is particularly challenging for the Cubs, who currently hold a 44-49 record. They are 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. With the trade deadline approaching, Bellinger's injury raises pivotal questions about the team's strategy. An insider commented, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
Speculation around Bellinger's future with the Cubs has been fueled by his three-year contract, which allows him to opt out after each season. This clause means there's no firm assurance that he will be in Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025. "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," an insider noted.
Future Decisions and Possible Outcomes
The Cubs are faced with the dilemma of whether to hold onto Bellinger or consider potential trade offers. "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," said an insider. "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," the insider continued.
Nonetheless, any shift in Bellinger's performance could alter the team's approach. "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," an insider remarked.
Looking Ahead
In the immediate future, the Cubs will wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles before moving on to face the St. Louis Cardinals. The integration of Canario into the roster will be crucial as the team aims to maintain competitiveness in the absence of one of their leading players.
As the Cubs weigh their options leading up to the trade deadline, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for the team's trajectory. Whether they choose to trade Bellinger or keep him in hopes of a resurgence, the Cubs' management will need to navigate this pivotal moment with strategic insight.