The Chicago Cubs faced a significant setback this week as they placed standout outfielder Cody Bellinger on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury, a result of being hit by a pitch from Baltimore Orioles’ lefty reliever Cionel Perez during the seventh inning of Wednesday's game, forced Bellinger out of the lineup. Although he initially remained in the game, he was soon replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
This development prompted the Cubs to make a roster move, recalling Alexander Canario from their Triple-A Iowa affiliate. Canario, a 23-year-old talent, now has the formidable task of stepping into Bellinger's shoes at a critical juncture of the season.
Implications for the Cubs
With a current record of 44-49, the Cubs find themselves 10 games behind in the National League Central and 3.5 games shy of the NL’s final wild-card spot. Bellinger's absence complicates their already uphill battle to remain competitive. His performance this season, marked by a .269/.331/.410 slash line, nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, has been integral to the team's offense. Coupled with his 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) as estimated by Baseball Reference, his contributions have been noteworthy, even if not quite as stellar as his 2023 season.
The Cubs' immediate schedule doesn’t make things any easier, with the series against the Baltimore Orioles concluding on Thursday, followed by a crucial series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The team must navigate these games without the services of one of their key players.
Trade Deadline Concerns
Bellinger's injury raises strategic questions as the trade deadline approaches. An 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." This idea gains traction considering Bellinger's contract, which allows him to opt out after each season, leaving no certainty about his future with the team.
The insider further elaborates, "There's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025." This uncertainty might influence the Cubs' decisions as they balance immediate needs against long-term strategy. "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," the insider adds.
This dynamic could result in fewer trade offers or leverage teams to push for a more favorable deal. "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," the insider poignantly explains. However, the possibility remains that a strong performance or a "well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things," making Bellinger an attractive trade option once again.
Looking at Alexander Canario
In the meantime, much attention will turn to Alexander Canario. The young outfielder has shown promise in Triple-A, and his call-up marks a critical step in his career. Canario's ability to adapt to the major leagues quickly could be pivotal in the Cubs' quest to remain in playoff contention.
Bellinger's leadership and capability to stand in center field as an above-average contributor will indeed be missed. "Even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something," notes the insider, underscoring the immediate impact of his presence both on and off the field.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Cubs maneuver through this challenging phase. Whether they manage to stay competitive without Bellinger or make strategic moves at the trade deadline could define the remainder of their season. As the deadline looms, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the Cubs handle their roster and injury adversity.