Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list after suffering a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez hit Bellinger in the seventh inning. Initially, Bellinger stayed in the game but was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
The Cubs, in need of filling the void left by Bellinger’s absence, have since recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. The move comes at a crucial point in the season as Bellinger, who will turn 29 on Saturday, has been a key contributor for the team. Entering Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases.
Struggles and Standing
The Cubs are navigating a challenging season, currently holding a 44-49 record. They find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games short of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s injury not only impacts the team’s immediate performance but also raises questions about their strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
“With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger,” said an insider.
Bellinger, who signed a three-year deal with the Cubs, has the option to opt out after each season, adding another layer of complexity to his 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," the insider noted.
A Mixed Year for Bellinger
Bellinger’s performance this season has been solid but not as spectacular as in previous years. According to Baseball Reference's estimates, his contributions amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement.
"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," said the insider. This sentiment might affect how other teams approach potential trade discussions, "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."
Even with his current stats, Bellinger remains a valuable player. “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 added.
Next Steps for the Cubs
The Cubs' immediate schedule includes wrapping up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The addition of 23-year-old Alexander Canario to the roster could inject some youthful energy into the team, but the looming trade deadline continues to cast a shadow over the club’s strategic decisions.
Bellinger’s placement on the injured list is a significant blow to a Cubs team still hoping to make a push for the postseason. How they navigate this period, both on the field and in their roster management decisions, will be crucial in determining their fate for the remainder of the season.