Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger was dealt an unfortunate blow on Thursday as he was placed on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury, incurred during Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, happened in the seventh inning when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Bellinger initially tried to tough it out, staying in the game until he was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs, in a corresponding roster move, have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void left by Bellinger’s absence.
Bellinger’s Season So Far
Heading into Thursday, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, translating to a 107 OPS+. Although these numbers are respectable, they fall short of his 2023 performance. Bellinger’s current contributions amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference.
Even if his 2023 campaign was more stellar, Bellinger remains a valuable asset in the Cubs' lineup. However, his injury complicates the already murky waters surrounding the team's strategy as the trade deadline looms.
Impact on Team Strategy
The Cubs are presently 44-49, 10 games back in the National League Central, and 3 1/2 games shy of capturing the NL's final wild-card spot. This precarious standing leads some insiders to question the Cubs' plans leading up to the trade deadline. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," suggested one insider.
Indeed, Bellinger's contract allows him to opt out after each season, casting uncertainty over his long-term future with the Cubs. "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," another insider noted.
Trade Deadline Dynamics
The looming trade deadline prompts several teams to weigh their options carefully, and Bellinger’s unusual profile further muddles the situation. "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 observed.
This unique profile could either work in favor of the Cubs or against them. "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 further explained.
Nonetheless, a strong performance between now and the trade deadline could alter the dynamics significantly. "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.
Next Steps for the Cubs
As the Cubs wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, they turn their focus to the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Meanwhile, the promotion of 23-year-old Alexander Canario to the majors may inject some fresh energy into the lineup.
Only time will tell how the injury to Cody Bellinger and the decisions made around the trade deadline will shape the Cubs' season. For now, the team must navigate these waters carefully, balancing short-term needs with long-term aspirations.