The Chicago Cubs were dealt a significant blow on Thursday as star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list with a fractured left middle finger. The injury, sustained during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, occurred when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning.
Although Bellinger initially stayed in the game, he was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs, already navigating a challenging season, quickly moved to recall Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster adjustment.
Bellinger's Performance and Impact
Turning 29 this Saturday, Bellinger has been a crucial player for the Cubs, putting up a slash line of .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases entering Thursday. His contributions, measured at an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscore his importance to the team.
Despite these efforts, the Cubs find themselves at a 44-49 record, trailing 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games behind for the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's injury not only impacts the team's immediate performance but also raises questions about their strategy as the trade deadline approaches.
Trade Deadline Speculations
Discussion among insiders suggests that "with the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." Indeed, Bellinger's contract includes a unique clause that allows him to opt out after each season, creating uncertainty about his long-term presence on the roster. As one insider notes, "there's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025."
The Cubs must weigh their options carefully, given Bellinger's fluctuating performance compared to his stellar year in 2023. An insider admitted, "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 complexity could lead to scenarios where Bellinger remains with 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," suggests an insider. Despite his current situation, they add, "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."
Next Moves for the Cubs
The Cubs are set to finish their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before heading into a series against the St. Louis Cardinals, testing the depth of their roster in the absence of Bellinger. Promoting the 23-year-old Alexander Canario from Triple-A is seen as a stopgap measure that could provide the team with some immediate relief.
As the Cubs navigate the remaining games and look towards the trade deadline, the focus will undoubtedly be on how well the team adapts to Bellinger's absence and whether any significant moves will reshape their trajectory for the rest of the season. The clock is ticking for Chicago to make crucial decisions that could define their competitive landscape in the short and long term.