Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger was dealt a significant blow as he was placed on the injured list on Thursday following a fractured left middle finger. This unfortunate event unfolded during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was struck by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning.
Despite initially staying in the game, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni, indicating the severity of the injury. The Cubs swiftly moved to recall Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster decision, a move that underscores the challenge ahead for the team.
A Season of Mixed Fortunes
As Bellinger approaches his 29th birthday this Saturday, his season had been one of mixed fortunes. Coming into Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. His contributions have translated to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference’s estimates. However, it has still not been as stellar a year as his 2023 performance.
The Cubs, holding a 44-49 record, have found themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and are 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. This backdrop of middling performance raises pivotal questions about the team’s strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
Strategic Implications of Bellinger's Injury
As one 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." Indeed, Bellinger’s three-year pact, which allows him to opt out after each season, introduces a layer of complexity to the Cubs’ 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 insider added.
Given his current form, one might wonder about the feasibility of trading Bellinger. The insider continued, "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 sentiment encapsulates the delicate balance the Cubs must strike, as they weigh potential trade offers against the risk of retaining a player whose future performance is uncertain.
Moreover, the possibility of Bellinger opting in could affect trade negotiations. "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 explained.
The Road Ahead
Nonetheless, there’s a glimmer of hope. "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 remarked. This leaves a window open for Bellinger to make a meaningful impact if he can recover swiftly and rediscover his best form.
In the interim, the Cubs will turn to the 23-year-old Alexander Canario, promoted from their Triple-A affiliate, to fill the gap. With immediate fixtures including the wrapping up of their series with the Orioles on Thursday and an upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team faces crucial games that could shape their season’s outcome.
Bellinger’s injury undoubtedly complicates the Cubs’ plans. As trade deadlines loom and the team seeks to navigate a challenging season, the decisions made in the coming weeks will reverberate through the organization. Whether Bellinger remains a cornerstone for the Cubs or becomes a valuable trade asset is a narrative that will captivate fans and analysts alike.