The Chicago Cubs found themselves in a precarious situation as star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury, which occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, happened in the seventh inning when Bellinger was hit by a pitch thrown by lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Bellinger initially continued to play before being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs have since recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void left by Bellinger. This roster move underscores the immediate need to fill the gap in their lineup as they navigate through a challenging season.
Currently, the Cubs have a 44-49 record and are 10 games back in the National League Central. They are also 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s unexpected injury surely raises questions about the team’s strategy leading up to the trade deadline, which promises to be a crucial period for the Cubs.
Heading into Thursday's game, Bellinger was batting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. According to Baseball Reference's estimates, his contributions amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement. Although Bellinger is not having as prolific a year as he did in 2023, he remains a valuable asset and an above-average contributor capable of holding his own in center field.
Trade Deadline Considerations
The injury and the uncertainty surrounding Bellinger's future could potentially shift the Cubs' approach to the upcoming trade deadline. One insider stated, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season, adding to the complexity of the decision. "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.
Moreover, concerns around Bellinger's unusual profile might impact how other teams perceive him as a trade candidate. "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," the insider continued. This sentiment suggests that other franchises might hesitate to make strong offers due to ongoing uncertainties around his long-term performance.
Looking Ahead
With Bellinger sidelined, the Cubs will be looking to Alexander Canario to step up and make an impact. The 23-year-old has been brought in from their Triple-A affiliate, offering a fresh dynamic to the lineup as they wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles and prepare for the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cubs' future strategy remains in flux. "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 theorized. This balancing act will be pivotal as the Cubs decide whether to capitalize on Bellinger's current value or negotiate terms that could influence their long-term trajectory.
A surge in performance from the roster in the remaining games before the trade deadline could potentially 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," concluded the insider.
As Bellinger turns 29 this Saturday, the team will undoubtedly reflect on his tenure and value while navigating the difficult decisions that lie ahead. The Cubs and their fans wait with bated breath, hoping for both a swift recovery for their star outfielder and a decisive turn in their season’s fortunes.