Chicago Cubs fans received disappointing news on Thursday as the team announced that star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list. The decision follows a fractured left middle finger that Bellinger sustained during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Bellinger's injury occurred in the seventh inning when he was hit by a pitch from Orioles lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Although Bellinger initially remained in the game, he was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
Impact on the Team
The Cubs have responded by recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move. Canario, a 23-year-old outfielder, now has the opportunity to make an impact as the Cubs navigate Bellinger's absence.
Entering Thursday, Bellinger was posting a slash line of .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Despite not matching his standout performance from 2023, Bellinger's contributions have been instrumental, accounting for an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's estimates.
The Cubs, currently holding a 44-49 record, find themselves 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games behind the NL's final wild-card spot. This context raises questions about the team's strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
Trade Deadline Considerations
With the Cubs' season taking a downward spiral, insiders suggest that the team may consider listening to offers for Bellinger. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," an insider noted.
Complicating matters is Bellinger's three-year contract, which allows him to opt out after each season. "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," an insider added.
Market Value and Potential Moves
Despite Bellinger's injury and his less stellar performance compared to last year, he remains an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. "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," said an insider. Such concerns could affect his market value.
Nevertheless, the possibility of a hot streak before the trade deadline could alter perceptions. "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 remarked.
Whether Bellinger stays with the Cubs or finds himself donning a new uniform by the end of the season, teams might leverage his opt-out clause to negotiate a more favorable trade. "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," an insider explained.
Looking Forward
The Cubs will complete their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing the St. Louis Cardinals. In the meantime, the team hopes that Alexander Canario can rise to the occasion and that Bellinger makes a speedy recovery. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Cubs' front office to see how they navigate this critical juncture in their season.