Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger faced a tough break on Thursday as he was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred 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 his initial efforts to remain in the game, he was subsequently replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
Injury Impact and Roster Moves
With Bellinger sidelined, the Cubs took swift action by recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old will now have the opportunity to step up as the team navigates through this challenging period. Bellinger's absence is keenly felt, especially given that he was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases entering Thursday. His contributions have been valued at an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
The timing of the injury could not have been worse for the Cubs, who currently hold a 44-49 record. They find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s injury compounds the challenges the Cubs are facing this season and raises significant questions about the team's strategy as the trade deadline approaches.
Trade Deadline Speculations
The insiders are already buzzing with speculation about Bellinger’s future in Chicago. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," one insider noted. This sense of uncertainty is further heightened by Bellinger’s contract, which allows him to opt out after each season, launching him into free agency and adding another layer of unpredictability to the situation. "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 pointed out.
Bellinger’s performance this season has been solid, but not up to the high standards he set previously. His current year's numbers show a decline compared to his better years, a fact not lost on insiders. "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 commented. This mixed performance could complicate 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 Road Ahead
As the Cubs prepare for upcoming games, including the final match of their series with the Orioles and an impending series against the St. Louis Cardinals, there's cautious optimism within the organization. "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. Indeed, Bellinger's ability to perform at an above-average level, despite his setbacks, remains a valuable asset for the team.
Bellinger will celebrate his 29th birthday this Saturday, a reminder of his prime years as a professional athlete. The days ahead will be crucial not just for his recovery but also in shaping the Cubs' strategy going forward. As the trade deadline looms, the decisions made now could have long-lasting implications for the team's future dynamics.
For now, the focus is on navigating through the immediate challenges posed by Bellinger’s injury and making the most of the talents of players like Alexander Canario. With a blend of strategy, hope, and resilience, the Cubs aim to find their footing in a tumultuous season.