Cubs Face Potential Turmoil as Cody Bellinger Lands on Injured List
The Chicago Cubs have been dealt a significant blow as star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger sustained during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The injury occurred in the seventh inning when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Bellinger initially tried to tough it out and remained in the game before being substituted by Miles Mastrobuoni. As a response to the injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the roster void.
Season Performance and Team Status
Bellinger's injury comes at a pivotal moment for the Cubs, who currently hold a 44-49 record. They are ten games behind in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games out of the NL's final wild-card spot. Entering Thursday, Bellinger was posting a .269/.331/.410 line (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, contributing an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's estimates.
The Cubs' immediate schedule involves wrapping up their series with the Orioles on Thursday before a critical matchup against divisional rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. The team will now lean on 23-year-old Alexander Canario, who was called up from their Triple-A affiliate, to help fill the gap left by Bellinger’s absence.
Implications for Trade Deadline Strategy
Bellinger's injury raises numerous questions regarding the Cubs' strategy as the trade deadline approaches. With the way the season has spiraled for them, there is growing speculation about whether the Cubs should entertain offers for the injured outfielder.
An 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." This sentiment is compounded by the fact that Bellinger’s contract includes a three-year pact allowing him to opt out after each season.
"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 elaborated. This clause in Bellinger's contract adds another layer of complexity to any potential trade negotiations.
Additionally, Bellinger’s performance this year has been a mixed bag, contrasting with his previous standout seasons. "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," another insider pointed out. This uneven performance may affect his trade value, with teams potentially hesitant to commit given the uncertainty around his opt-out clause and current form.
What Lies Ahead
The Cubs face a challenging path forward as they navigate Bellinger's injury and the implications for their roster and season trajectory. "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," remarked one insider. Still, there remains a glimmer of hope: "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."
As the Cubs continue their season, they will have to address Bellinger's absence decisively and strategically, evaluating their options carefully as the trade deadline looms. Whether they decide to hold onto Bellinger or field offers, his presence or absence will undoubtedly shape the Cubs' fortunes both in the short and long term.