Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been sidelined following a fractured left middle finger, a setback that further complicates an already tumultuous season for the Cubs. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Though Bellinger initially tried to tough it out, he was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
The team responded by recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa, a move indicative of the Cubs' flexibility and depth in their farm system. Canario, a promising 23-year-old, now has a chance to showcase his talents on the big stage as the Cubs navigate the choppy waters of MLB's midseason.
Bellinger's Impactful Absence
This injury could not have come at a worse time for both Bellinger and the Cubs. Previously hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases, Bellinger's contributions amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. However, his performance has not been as impressive as it was in 2023, leading to analysts questioning his future with the Cubs.
"With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," one insider commented. The Cubs currently hold a 44-49 record, sitting 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. As the team struggles to gain grounding, Bellinger's injury raises questions about their strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
Trade Speculations
Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt-out after each season, with no real assurance that he'll remain on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025. "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," an insider noted. This opt-out clause adds another layer of complexity to the Cubs' decision-making process as the trade deadline approaches.
Despite his middling performance, Bellinger remains a valuable asset. "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," an insider remarked. Nonetheless, his capacity to be an above-average contributor in center field should not be underestimated. "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."
If the Cubs decide to explore trade options for Bellinger, they could potentially leverage his opt-out clause to drive a harder bargain. "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," another insider suggested.
The Road Ahead
As the Cubs wrap up their series with the Orioles and prepare for an upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team must recalibrate in Bellinger's absence. The immediate challenge will be integrating Canario into the lineup and finding a balance that keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.
Bellinger turns 29 this Saturday, a milestone that he will, unfortunately, celebrate while grappling with this latest injury setback. The Cubs' front office and coaching staff face significant decisions in the weeks ahead, and Bellinger's situation is central to their plans.
In these ever-changing scenarios, the Cubs' ability to adapt and strategize will be crucial. Their handling of Bellinger's injury and the looming trade considerations could very well define their season and shape the team's future trajectory.