Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list on Thursday due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury took place during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch thrown by lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Despite initially staying in the game, Bellinger was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
To fill the void left by Bellinger, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. This timely move indicates the organization’s need to adapt quickly given its current standing in the league. With a 44-49 record, the Cubs are 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot, posing a significant challenge as they aim to stay competitive.
Heading into Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His contributions so far have yielded an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference’s estimates. As Bellinger prepares to turn 29 this Saturday, questions about his immediate future with the Cubs are starting to loom large.
Team Strategy Under Scrutiny
The Cubs' current situation raises concerns and speculations about the team's strategy as the trade deadline approaches. 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." This suggestion mirrors a broader sentiment that the Cubs may need to evaluate their options critically.
Bellinger’s three-year contract, which allows him to opt out after each season, adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. "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," the same insider noted. This clause presents an uncertainty that the Cubs will have to address when considering Bellinger’s long-term role in the team.
Performance and Perception
Bellinger's current performance level, compared to his previous seasons, has not been as exceptional. The insider elaborated, "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 acknowledgment does not diminish his standing as a valuable player; however, it does make his trade market more nuanced.
This situation also creates a complex scenario where potential trade partners may hedge their bets. The insider explained, "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." Thus, the Cubs could find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the immediate impact of Bellinger’s injury with long-term strategic decisions.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ongoing challenges, there's still a chance for Bellinger to influence the team's fortunes positively. "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," the insider concluded. This optimism suggests that Bellinger's future contributions, whether with the Cubs or another team, remain of high interest around the league.
The Cubs' immediate schedule has them wrapping up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before moving on to face the St. Louis Cardinals. With Bellinger's injury forcing a shuffle in the roster, all eyes will be on how Canario performs and how the team adjusts to this critical juncture in their season.