The Chicago Cubs have encountered another hurdle in what has been a challenging season, as star outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles, when Bellinger was struck by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Though Bellinger initially attempted to stay in the game, he was soon replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger's setback, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. Canario, a 23-year-old, will now have the chance to contribute to a team struggling to find its footing. Sitting at a 44-49 record, the Cubs are currently 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of capturing the NL's final wild-card spot. This critical juncture in their season makes Bellinger's injury all the more significant.
Bellinger's Performance and Future
Before his injury, Bellinger was posting a .269/.331/.410 slash line with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, translating to an OPS+ of 107. His contributions have been valued at an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement by Baseball Reference. Although these numbers show he remains an above-average player, it's clear he's not replicating his standout performance from the 2023 season.
As Bellinger approaches his 29th birthday this Saturday, questions loom over his future with the Cubs. His three-year contract includes an opt-out clause after each season, allowing him the flexibility to decide his fate. An insider commented on the ambiguity surrounding Bellinger's tenure with the team, stating, "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."
This uncertainty, coupled with his current form and injury, raises crucial questions about the team’s strategy as they approach the trade deadline. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," another insider suggested. The decision to trade or retain the star outfielder is fraught with complications, however, given his unpredictable profile.
Implications for the Cubs
While trading Bellinger could bring in needed assets, his injury and inconsistent performance might deter potential suitors or diminish his market value. "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 observed. This dual-edged sword might work against the Cubs in negotiations, as teams could leverage these concerns to lower his trade value.
Nonetheless, there remains a possibility for positive outcomes. "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 remarked. Such a streak, coupled with his defensive versatility, could still make Bellinger an attractive player for teams looking for mid-season upgrades.
Looking Ahead
The immediate future for the Cubs involves concluding their series against the Baltimore Orioles before a crucial matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. As the team assesses their standing and prospects, the performance of Canario and other call-ups could offer glimpses of what lies ahead. The Cubs have numerous decisions to make in the near term, with Bellinger's status possibly influencing broader strategies and roster moves. Regardless of the outcome, the Cubs' approach to this critical moment will have lasting implications for their season and beyond.