Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has found himself on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger sustained during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Though Bellinger initially stayed in the game, he was soon replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger's injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old will step in as Chicago's management scrambles to mitigate the loss of one of their keystone players. The team currently sits with a 44-49 record, trailing 10 games behind in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot.
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a vital contributor to the Cubs' efforts this season. As of Thursday, he had a batting line of .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His performance has equated to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Compared to his stellar performance in 2023, this year hasn't been as remarkable for Bellinger, yet his contributions remain invaluable to the Cubs.
An Uncertain Future
Bellinger's injury raises essential questions regarding the Cubs' strategy as the trade deadline looms. According to one insider, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." It is worth noting that Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season, adding a layer of uncertainty to his future with the team. "There's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025," the insider added.
Trade Deadline Considerations
Bellinger's unique profile poses additional considerations for potential suitors. "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," explained another insider. This could potentially impact the likelihood of his remaining with the Cubs. "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," they elaborated.
Despite these uncertainties, Bellinger remains an above-average player who can capably stand in center field, and a well-timed hot streak could change the current outlook. "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," acknowledged an insider.
Immediate Adjustments
In the interim, the Cubs must pivot quickly. Their immediate schedule includes wrapping up the series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before a crucial set against the St. Louis Cardinals. The promotion of Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa is a critical maneuver in addressing the short-term gap left by Bellinger’s injury. At just 23 years old, Canario has shown promise and will have to rise to the challenge under the heightened scrutiny and pressure of Major League play.
The injury to Bellinger undoubtedly complicates the Cubs' trade deadline calculus. His potential departure could signal a shift in strategy for the team as they evaluate their prospects for the remainder of the season and beyond. For now, the Cubs will have to navigate the next games without their star outfielder, hoping that Canario and the rest of the squad can step up effectively in his absence.