Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has found himself on the injured list after suffering a fractured left middle finger. The injury was sustained 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 initial shock, Bellinger remained in the game for a short period before being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. The Cubs have since made a roster move, recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa to fill the gap left by Bellinger's absence.
Impact on Bellinger and the Cubs
This Saturday, Bellinger will turn 29, but he’ll likely be celebrating from the sidelines. Entering Thursday, Bellinger was posting respectable numbers with a .269/.331/.410 slash line, nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Despite these contributions, an insider notes, "Bellinger isn't having as good of a year as he did in 2023."
The Cubs, currently holding a 44-49 record, are 10 games back in the National League Central and trailing by 3.5 games for the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s injury adds another layer of complexity to their season, especially with the trade deadline looming. As one insider suggests, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
What’s Next for Bellinger?
Bellinger's contract allows him to opt out after each season, making his future with the Cubs uncertain. This flexibility has both positive and negative implications. An insider elaborates, "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."
Additionally, Bellinger's potential to decline further adds to the uncertainty. "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 injury could deter teams from making offers, or conversely, it could be used as leverage against 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," an insider explains.
Cubs’ Strategy Moving Forward
Bellinger's injury certainly complicates the Cubs' strategy leading up to the trade deadline. They have temporarily turned to 23-year-old Alexander Canario, promoting him from their Triple-A affiliate to fill the void. Canario has shown promise, but relying on a young talent in crucial games can be a gamble.
In the short term, the Cubs must navigate the remainder of their series against the Baltimore Orioles and then prepare for a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Each game is critical as they attempt to bridge the gap in the standings and make a play for the wild-card spot.
Despite the setbacks, there's hope that Bellinger’s contributions might still re-emerge later in the season. As one insider posits, "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."
While the Cubs remain in a precarious position, their decisions over the next few weeks will be crucial in determining not just this season's outcome, but potentially their long-term trajectory with players like Bellinger. For now, the focus will be on adjusting to his absence and finding ways to keep their playoff hopes alive.