Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list after suffering a fractured left middle finger during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The injury occurred in the seventh inning when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Despite initially staying in the game, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs wasted no time in making a roster move, recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void left by Bellinger's injury.
Cody Bellinger's Impact and Current Season
Set to turn 29 this Saturday, Bellinger has been an essential player for the Cubs this season. Heading into Thursday's action, he boasted a batting line of .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Overall, his contributions have amounted to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
While Bellinger isn't performing at the same level he did in 2023, his ability to stand in center field and provide above-average contributions cannot be discounted. An insider acknowledges, "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."
Implications for the Cubs
The Cubs, currently holding a 44-49 record, find themselves ten games back in the National League Central and three and a half games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. With the season taking a turn for the worse, Bellinger's injury and his performance raise questions about the team's strategy as the trade deadline approaches.
One insider opines, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." Adding to the complexity is Bellinger's three-year contract, which allows him to opt out after each season. This lack of long-term assurance could influence the Cubs' decisions. "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 insider notes.
Trade Considerations
The uncertainty around Bellinger's future may play into the Cubs' strategy. "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," suggests another insider. However, a streak of strong performances leading up to the deadline could shift the landscape. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things," adds the insider, indicating that Bellinger's performance in the coming weeks will be critical.
Immediate Next Steps
In the immediate future, the Cubs will wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals. With Bellinger sidelined, the focus will shift to players like Alexander Canario, the 23-year-old called up from Triple-A Iowa, to fill the void.
As the Cubs navigate this challenging period, the decisions they make regarding Bellinger will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Whether they decide to field offers or hold onto their star outfielder will significantly impact their strategy moving forward. For now, the team and its fans will be watching closely, hoping for a swift recovery and a potential resurgence on the field.