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 from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Despite initially remaining in the game, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. Canario, at 23 years old, is likely to see significant playing time as the Cubs look to fill the void left by Bellinger's absence. Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a crucial player for the Cubs this season. Entering Thursday, he was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His contributions have amounted to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's estimates.
Cubs Facing Tough Decisions Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Cubs currently find themselves holding 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. With the season going the way it has for the Cubs, there are rising questions about the team's strategy leading up to the trade deadline. As one insider pointed out, "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 pact allows him to opt out after each season, which adds another layer of complexity to potential trade considerations. "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. The uncertainty surrounding his contract status could impact the Cubs' decision-making process as the deadline approaches.
Bellinger's Performance in 2023
It is worth noting that Bellinger isn't having as standout a year as he did in 2023. "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. The dip in performance might influence teams' interest and the offers they are willing to make. "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 added.
Possible Outcomes and Future Prospects
Despite his injury and less impressive numbers compared to last season, Bellinger remains a valuable asset. "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 observed. How the Cubs decide to navigate the next few weeks will be critical to their short-term and long-term plans.
The immediate challenge for the Cubs involves their current series against the Baltimore Orioles and the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Bellinger's absence and make strategic decisions that balance competitiveness with future potential. The recall of Alexander Canario signifies a step in that direction, as the Cubs lean on their younger talents to rise to the occasion.
As the MLB trade deadline looms, the situation with Bellinger will be one to watch closely. The Cubs' management must assess their position, potential trade offers, and the long-term implications of either holding onto or trading their star outfielder amidst an already challenging season.