Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has found himself sidelined after suffering a fractured left middle finger. The injury, which occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, put a halt to what had been a solid season for Bellinger. The incident happened in the seventh inning when he was struck by a pitch from O's lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Despite initially staying in the game, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
As a result of the injury, the Cubs have placed Bellinger on the injured list and called up Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. This roster move comes at a time when the Cubs, holding a 44-49 record, are struggling to keep pace in the National League Central. They sit ten games back from the leading spot and 3 1/2 games out of the final wild-card slot in the National League.
Bellinger's Season Performance
Before his injury, Bellinger was delivering a respectable performance, hitting .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. His efforts have contributed an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. While this season might not be matching his impressive 2023 stats, Bellinger remains a valuable player for the Cubs. An insider noted, "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."
Future Considerations for the Cubs
The timing of Bellinger's injury couldn't be worse for Chicago, both in terms of their playoff aspirations and the looming trade deadline. As the team evaluates its strategy moving forward, Bellinger's injury raises questions about potential moves. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," shared an insider.
Bellinger's contract situation adds another layer of complexity. His three-year deal allows him to opt out after each season, providing no guaranteed commitment through Opening Day 2025. This element could influence trade talks. "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," the insider added.
Impact on Trade Discussions
Given Bellinger's current mixed performance and injury, teams might be cautious in their trade offers. "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," explained an insider. However, a strong rebound before the deadline could alter the scenario. "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 concluded.
Canario's Call-Up
In light of Bellinger's hiatus, the Cubs have summoned 23-year-old Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate. Canario's promotion is set against the backdrop of critical games, including the conclusion of the series against the Baltimore Orioles and an upcoming face-off with the St. Louis Cardinals. Depending on how he performs, Canario could play a pivotal role in the Cubs' attempts to salvage their season.
The Cubs' situation remains in flux as they struggle to remain competitive amidst injuries and strategic deliberations. Bellinger's condition and the subsequent roster adjustments will undoubtedly influence the team's direction as they navigate through this challenging stretch.