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. Bellinger was hit by a pitch thrown by lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Although he initially stayed in the game, he was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger's injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. Canario, a promising 23-year-old, will step in as the team reconfigures its roster. This move is part of the Cubs' ongoing efforts to manage their current roster challenges while keeping an eye on the future.
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a key player for the Cubs this season. Before his injury, he was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His performance has contributed an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's estimates.
However, the Cubs are grappling with a challenging season. They currently hold a 44-49 record and find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central. Additionally, they are 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Given these standings, Bellinger's injury raises questions about the team's strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
Impact on Trade Strategy
An insider noted, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." This sentiment reflects the uncertainty surrounding Bellinger's future with the team, especially considering his three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season. "There's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025," the insider added.
Bellinger is not having as impressive a season as he did in 2023, and this has led to some concerns. "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," an insider observed. This reality could impact the Cubs' decisions at the trade deadline.
The Potential for Deadline Drama
The dual nature of Bellinger's contract – with its opt-out provision – further complicates matters. "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," an insider noted.
Nonetheless, a strong performance leading up to the deadline could alter the landscape. "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 commented.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs are set to conclude their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing the St. Louis Cardinals next. With Bellinger sidelined, the team will rely on contributions from players like Canario to keep their competitive edge.
The outcome of Bellinger's injury and its impact on the Cubs' season remains to be seen. However, the team's immediate focus will be on managing their current roster while strategizing for the future. For now, the Cubs and their fans will be closely watching Bellinger's recovery and the team's performance as they navigate the challenges ahead.