Bellinger Sidelined as Cubs Face Upcoming Challenges
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger, sustained during a Wednesday game against the Baltimore Orioles. Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning, initially staying in the game before being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. This move underscores the team's need to adapt quickly as they navigate the remainder of their schedule, including their ongoing series with the Orioles and an upcoming one against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Entering Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases, amounting to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Despite these contributions, the Cubs find themselves with a 44-49 record, ten games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot.
Bellinger will turn 29 this Saturday, and his injury brings additional scrutiny to the Cubs' strategy leading up to the trade deadline. An insider expressed the sentiment that "with the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season. This contractual nuance leaves the Cubs in a precarious position, with no guarantee that he will remain on their roster after the season. As noted by the insider, "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."
In terms of performance, Bellinger has not matched his output from the previous year, a factor that could affect his marketability. The insider highlighted these concerns, stating, "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."
This uncertainty could either deter interest from potential suitors or provide leverage to those looking to negotiate a lower return from the Cubs. "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.
Nevertheless, Bellinger remains an above-average contributor capable of making an impact in center field. "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.
As the Cubs weigh their options, the promotion of the 23-year-old Canario offers a glimpse into the team's potential future. Canario, called up from their Triple-A affiliate, now has an opportunity to demonstrate his value on a larger stage.
The Cubs' immediate challenges are clear: managing without Bellinger, closing out their series with the Orioles, and preparing for the Cardinals. The team's performance in the coming weeks will significantly influence their decisions at the trade deadline, particularly with Bellinger's injury complicating an already tumultuous season.