Chicago Cubs' Season Takes a Hit with Bellinger's Injury
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury, which occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, saw Bellinger hit by a pitch in the seventh inning from Orioles' lefty reliever Cionel Perez. While Bellinger initially remained in the game, he was soon replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
As a result, the Cubs have recalled 23-year-old Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate, Iowa, in a corresponding roster move. Canario, who has been eagerly waiting for a big-league call-up, now has an opportunity to prove his mettle in the majors.
With Bellinger’s 29th birthday approaching this Saturday, Cubs fans are left to ponder the extent of his absence and its impact on the team's performance. Prior to his injury, Bellinger was batting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His contributions were estimated at 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's estimates.
The Cubs, holding a 44-49 record, sit 10 games back in the National League Central and are 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's injury compounds the already challenging season for the Cubs, igniting speculation 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 suggested. Given Bellinger's three-year pact, which allows him to opt out after each season, there is no certainty he will remain on Chicago’s roster come Opening Day 2025.
Chicago faces a delicate balancing act if they consider trade options, with Bellinger's current statistics not mirroring his previous year's performance. "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," an insider noted. This situation could potentially lead to fewer trade offers or less favorable terms for the Cubs.
In the coming days, the Cubs wrap up their series with the Baltimore Orioles before taking on the St. Louis Cardinals. This stretch of games will be crucial, as it could influence the Cubs’ decision-making regarding Bellinger’s future.
Looking forward, the Cubs hope for Bellinger's swift recovery, as his presence is pivotal both offensively and defensively. “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,” an insider remarked, emphasizing Bellinger's value despite his recent injury.
As the trade deadline nears, the Cubs' management will be closely monitoring Bellinger’s recovery and assessing the team’s performance to determine their next move. Fans and analysts alike will be watching, knowing that the outcome could have significant implications for the Cubs' future trajectory.