Cubs’ Cody Bellinger Hits Injured List Amid Tumultuous Season
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger was added to the injured list on Thursday due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury was sustained 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 staying in the game, he was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger’s absence, the Cubs have promoted Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate, Iowa, marking a significant roster move as they navigate the remainder of their series against the Orioles and an upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Impact on Bellinger’s Season
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been a critical asset for the Cubs, posting a .269/.331/.410 slash line with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases entering Thursday. His contributions have been estimated at 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. However, insiders note that Bellinger's current season hasn't quite lived up to his 2023 performance. One remarked, "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."
Strategic Considerations and Trade Deadline Decisions
With a 44-49 record, the Cubs find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games short of the NL's final wild-card spot. This challenging position raises questions regarding the team’s strategy ahead of the trade deadline. Bellinger's three-year contract includes an opt-out clause after each season, which adds another layer of complexity to their decision-making process. 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."
The opt-out clause presents a double-edged sword for the Cubs. There's uncertainty about whether Bellinger will remain on Chicago's roster moving forward. An insider elaborated, "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."
This uncertainty may either complicate his market value or offer strategic leverage. "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 added.
The Road Ahead
For now, though, the Cubs remain focused on immediate concerns. Promoting 23-year-old Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa introduces a fresh face to their roster, potentially offering a spark as the team wraps up their series with the Orioles and sets their sights on the Cardinals. But with Bellinger sidelined, questions about their offensive and defensive capabilities loom large.
There’s a palpable sense that a well-timed performance surge between now and the trade deadline could alter the dynamics significantly. As one insider mentioned, "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."
As the days wind down to the trade deadline, the Cubs face a crucial juncture. Decisions made in the coming weeks will not only affect their immediate performance but could also shape the long-term trajectory of the franchise. The choices surrounding Cody Bellinger will be pivotal in this regard, setting the stage for an intriguing close to the season.