Cody Bellinger Placed on Injured List Amid Cubs' Struggles
Chicago Cubs' star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list on Thursday after sustaining a fractured left middle finger. The injury, which occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, came from a pitch by lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Although Bellinger initially stayed in the game, he was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
The Cubs responded by recalling Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move. The 23-year-old Canario will now have an opportunity to showcase his skills at the major league level. Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases before the injury.
Currently, the Cubs hold a 44-49 record, sitting ten games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the final NL wild-card spot. Bellinger's absence raises questions about the team's strategy as the trade deadline approaches.
"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 commented.
Bellinger's three-year deal includes an opt-out clause after each season, a provision that adds uncertainty to his future with the Cubs. "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 noted.
While Bellinger's 2023 season hasn't matched his previous year's performance, he's still considered an above-average contributor, providing an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. However, his unusual player profile has raised some concerns.
"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 source added. "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."
Despite these challenges, Bellinger remains a valuable player who could potentially turn things around before the trade deadline. "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," emphasized an insider.
As Bellinger recovers from his injury, the Cubs will need to navigate a tough schedule, finishing their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before facing the St. Louis Cardinals. With their playoff hopes dwindling, the coming weeks will be crucial for determining the team's direction moving forward.