Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger sustained in Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez during the seventh inning. Initially, Bellinger stayed in the game but was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
The Cubs have responded to Bellinger's injury by recalling Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate, marking a crucial roster adjustment as the team continues its challenging season. Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a significant contributor to the Cubs’ lineup, bringing a mixture of power and speed to the team.
Impact on Team Strategy
This injury has come at a particularly inopportune time for the Cubs. With a current record of 44-49, they are 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's absence could further complicate the team's strategy as they approach the trade deadline. Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Cubs' decision-making process.
One insider opined, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." Given that there is no guarantee he will be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025, the team may have some tough decisions to make.
Current Performance and Future Prospects
So far, Bellinger has been hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases, contributing an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Despite this, it has been noted that Bellinger is not having as good of a year as he did in 2023. As another insider observed, "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."
Such concerns might influence the willingness of other teams to trade for him, considering they may be worried about him opting in and then declining. This situation could either deter potential trades or be used as a leverage point for interested teams. "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," an insider stated.
Looking Ahead
Even with these complexities, a strong performance leading up to the trade deadline could change the narrative. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things, however," one insider noted. "Even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something."
As the Cubs conclude their series with the Baltimore Orioles and prepare to face off against the St. Louis Cardinals, the focus will be on how they manage without one of their key players. Alexander Canario’s promotion at this juncture signals a blend of immediate necessity and a look toward future potential. The coming weeks will be pivotal not only for the team’s standing but also for decisions that may shape their trajectory for seasons to come.