Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has found himself on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning thrown by lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Initially, Bellinger remained in the game but was ultimately replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs have since recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa as a corresponding roster move.
A Struggling Season for the Cubs
This injury comes at a crucial juncture for the Cubs, who currently hold 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's injury raises questions about the team’s strategy as the trade deadline approaches. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," commented an insider.
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has delivered moderate performances this season. Entering Thursday, he was hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases, translating to a 107 OPS+. However, his contributions amount to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference’s estimates. "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," noted the insider.
Contract Considerations
Bellinger’s three-year pact with the Cubs includes an opt-out clause after each season. This contractual aspect adds another layer of complexity to his future with the team. "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," highlighted an insider. This uncertainty could deter potential trade partners or drive down the value of any prospective deal. On the other hand, it could also incentivize the Cubs to move Bellinger while his value is still relatively high.
"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 elaborated. Such strategic considerations will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the minds of the Cubs' front office as they navigate the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs will aim to manage their roster effectively in Bellinger's absence, beginning with the promotion of 23-year-old Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate. Canario’s elevation presents an opportunity for the young player to make an impact at the major league level and potentially solidify a role with the team moving forward.
In the short term, the Cubs' immediate schedule includes concluding their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before heading into a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. How the Cubs perform during this stretch could provide crucial insights into their strategies and aspirations for the remainder of the season.
While Bellinger’s absence is a setback, there’s a silver lining to consider. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things," an insider suggested, noting that Bellinger remains an above-average contributor capable of holding down center field. His performance upon return could dictate not only his future but also the direction the Cubs decide to take as an organization.
As Cubs fans await further updates, the hope is that Bellinger can recover quickly and contribute meaningfully to the team's aspirations. His presence, talent, and versatility are assets the Cubs will need as they strive to turn their season around.