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 Bellinger was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning by lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Initially, Bellinger stayed in the game but was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. This comes at a challenging time for the team, as they currently hold a 44-49 record and are 10 games back in the National League Central. Although they are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot, sitting just 3 1/2 games shy, Bellinger's absence raises questions about the team's strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
Bellinger’s Season and Impact
Entering Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. As Bellinger approaches his 29th birthday this Saturday, his contributions have been valued as an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference’s metrics. However, the outfielder is not performing at the level he did in 2023, raising questions about his future with the Cubs.
"With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs," remarked an insider, "we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
The Contract Situation
Bellinger’s three-year pact includes an opt-out clause after each season, creating uncertainty about his long-term presence on the Cubs' roster. As another insider noted, "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 combination of a middling season and his unique contract situation could impact his trade value. "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 an insider. This uncertainty could keep him with the Cubs, either because potential suitors worry he might opt-in and then decline, or use that concern to leverage the Cubs into a worse return.
What Lies Ahead
The Cubs are turning to 23-year-old Alexander Canario, promoting him from their Triple-A affiliate, to fill the void left by Bellinger. Canario’s promotion is a clear signal that the Cubs are looking to their younger talent to step up during this critical juncture in the season. The team will wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before heading into a series against the St. Louis Cardinals, and Canario's performance will be under the microscope.
Management and fans alike will be watching closely, as the team's performance in the next few games could influence decisions as the trade deadline looms. "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," another insider added on the potential impact of Bellinger’s return to form.
As the Cubs navigate the complexities of injuries, potential trades, and player development, the next few weeks will be critical in defining their season. For now, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to the challenge of playing without one of their star players and whether young talents like Canario can make an immediate impact.