Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been dealt a significant blow as he finds himself on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury, which occurred during Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, was a result of being hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning.
Bellinger initially showed resilience by remaining in the game but was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. In response to Bellinger’s injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa, looking for the young outfielder to fill the void.
Bellinger’s Season and Impact
This setback comes just days before Bellinger’s 29th birthday on Saturday. Entering Thursday, Bellinger was posting a solid .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) slash line with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Despite these contributions, analysts note that Bellinger is “not having as good of a year as he did in 2023.” His current statistics amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
The Cubs, with a record of 44-49, find themselves in a challenging position—10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games away from the NL’s final wild-card spot. As the team grapples with Bellinger’s injury, there’s speculation about how this will affect 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,” commented an insider.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
There’s uncertainty about Bellinger’s future with the Cubs due to the structure of his three-year contract, which allows him to opt out after each season. One insider elaborated, “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.”
Furthermore, Bellinger’s unique player profile and current form might influence his trade value and decisions made by other teams. “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. 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,” suggested an insider.
However, the potential for Bellinger to play at an above-average level remains enticing. “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,” noted an insider, hinting at the potential game-changing impacts Bellinger can still provide.
Upcoming Challenges
In the immediate future, the Cubs are set to wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Whether they can navigate these games and the following critical stretch without Bellinger will be pivotal in determining their course for the rest of the season. The promotion of 23-year-old Alexander Canario signifies a move towards younger talent, but it also places pressure on the rookie to perform at a high level quickly.
The Cubs’ front office faces complex decisions in the coming weeks, balancing the need for short-term results with long-term planning, especially as Bellinger’s opt-out clause looms large. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Cubs make a bold move as they straddle the line between being buyers and sellers at this year’s trade deadline.