Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger, an incident that occurred during Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Bellinger sustained the injury in the seventh inning when he was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Despite initially continuing to play, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
To fill the void left by Bellinger, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. Canario, a promising 23-year-old, will now have the opportunity to showcase his talent in the majors, as the Cubs face the Orioles on Thursday, followed by a series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Impact of Bellinger’s Injury
This setback for Bellinger comes at a crucial time for the Cubs. Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, has been an integral part of the team’s lineup. Entering Thursday, he had posted a .269/.331/.410 slash line, which translates to a 107 OPS+. Alongside his nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases, Bellinger’s contributions have been valued at an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
However, his current performance has not quite matched his standout season of 2023. 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." Despite this, he remains an above-average contributor in center field—an asset the Cubs will sorely miss as they navigate a challenging part of their season.
Trade Deadline Considerations
The Cubs, with a 44-49 record, find themselves ten games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL’s final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s injury raises significant questions about the team's approach as the trade deadline looms. There is growing speculation about whether the Cubs should consider listening to trade offers for Bellinger.
One insider suggested, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." His current three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, leaving the Cubs without assurance that he will remain on the roster come Opening Day 2025. "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.
Potential Outcomes and Market Perceptions
Given Bellinger’s opt-out clause and the dynamics of the trade market, the Cubs might find themselves in a difficult negotiation position. "That, in turn, could make it more likely that he stays in place," the insider commented, "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."
However, if Bellinger can recover quickly and perform strongly before the deadline, it may change the landscape. "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 noted.
As the Cubs navigate this critical juncture, Alexander Canario’s promotion will be closely watched as he steps into the major league spotlight. Meanwhile, the front office must weigh their options carefully, balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal for the Cubs’ season and for Bellinger’s future with the team.