Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been dealt a significant setback as he was placed on the injured list this Thursday due to a fractured left middle finger. The incident took place during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was struck by a pitch in the seventh inning by lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Despite the initial impact, Bellinger chose to remain in the game, demonstrating his tenacity and commitment. However, he was subsequently replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni, indicating the severity of the injury. As a result of Bellinger's placement on the injured list, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void.
Bellinger's Season So Far
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a key contributor for the Cubs this season. Before Thursday's game, he was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, amounting to an impressive 107 OPS+. According to Baseball Reference, his contributions have been valued at 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). However, not everything has been smooth sailing as Bellinger is not having as stellar a year as he did in 2023.
Impact on Cubs' Strategy
The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cubs, who currently hold a 44-49 record. They are 10 games back in the National League Central and find themselves 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. This situation has raised questions about the team's strategy as the trade deadline approaches. An insider commented, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
There is an added layer of complexity in this scenario. Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season. As one insider pointed out, "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."
Market Dynamics and Trade Considerations
Bellinger’s unusual profile and his subpar season compared to previous years could make trading him challenging. An insider noted, "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 scenario could play out in multiple ways. "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 explained. However, the situation is fluid and could change rapidly. "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.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cubs’ immediate schedule does not afford them much respite. They are set to wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals. With Bellinger on the sidelines, the team will be leaning heavily on 23-year-old Alexander Canario, freshly promoted from their Triple-A affiliate, to make an immediate impact.
Bellinger's injury undoubtedly complicates the Cubs' plans as they navigate a pivotal part of their season. The choices made in the coming days will not only shape their immediate future but could also have longer-term implications. As the trade deadline approaches, the decision-makers in Chicago have their work cut out for them in what promises to be a challenging yet critical period.