The Chicago Cubs have had a challenging season, and news of Cody Bellinger’s injury only adds to their troubles. The star outfielder was placed on the injured list on Thursday after fracturing his left middle finger. The injury took place 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 the intense pain, Bellinger stayed in the game briefly before being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs wasted no time in making a roster move, calling up Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill Bellinger's spot. Canario, at just 23 years old, is seen as a promising addition to the lineup, yet the void left by Bellinger is unmistakable.
What's at Stake for the Cubs?
As Bellinger prepares to turn 29 this Saturday, his absence looms large over the Cubs' immediate future. Entering Thursday, Bellinger was posting a slash line of .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. His performance has been a bright spot in an otherwise middling season for Chicago, with the team holding a 44-49 record.
The Cubs find themselves ten games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games away from the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's injury could significantly influence the Cubs' strategy as the trade deadline approaches. According to an insider, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
The Contract Dilemma
Bellinger's current three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season, which complicates matters further. As another insider pointed out, "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 flexibility makes it difficult for the Cubs to plan long-term, especially with his recent injury.
One insider made a poignant observation: "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." Given these factors, Bellinger's future with the Cubs is up in the air. His current contributions stand at an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, a respectable figure, but whether it’s enough to sway trade decisions remains to be seen.
The Options Moving Forward
There is speculation that Bellinger could stay put due to concerns from potential suitors. "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," suggested an insider.
However, a change in Bellinger's performance could also dramatically alter the situation. The insider noted, "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." Such a rebound could make him an attractive asset despite the injury.
What's Next for the Cubs?
The Cubs' immediate schedule includes wrapping up their series with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. With Bellinger temporarily out of the picture, the focus will be on how the team adapts and whether Canario can rise to the occasion. The Cubs' front office faces crucial decisions in the coming weeks that will likely shape the rest of their season and beyond.