Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been sidelined with a fractured left middle finger, shaking up the team's lineup amid a challenging season. The injury took place during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning.
Bellinger initially stayed in the game but was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. In a corresponding move, the Cubs have recalled 23-year-old Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. This roster adjustment marks a pivotal change as the Cubs look to navigate their schedule and standings in Bellinger's absence.
An Untimely Setback
The injury comes at a crucial juncture, as the Cubs are currently holding a 44-49 record and sit ten games back in the National League Central. They are also 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's performance this season, a .269/.331/.410 slash line with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, had been a glimmer of hope for the struggling team.
"With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," said an insider. This sentiment underscores the uncertain future for Bellinger in Chicago, exacerbated by his three-year contract that allows him to opt out after each season. There's no assurance he will be on the Cubs' roster come Opening Day 2025.
Strategic Implications
Bellinger's estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, highlights his value on the field. However, his current season doesn't quite measure up to his stellar 2023 performance, raising questions about his long-term fit with the team. "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," noted an insider, addressing the mixed signals surrounding Bellinger's potential impact moving forward.
These dynamics create a complex scenario for the Cubs' management as they consider trade deadline strategies. "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 added. This delicate balance will inevitably influence any major decisions leading up to the deadline.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs’ short-term strategy involves wrapping up their series against the Baltimore Orioles before a crucial set against the St. Louis Cardinals. How they adjust without Bellinger in the lineup could be a harbinger of their adaptability and resilience as the season progresses.
Despite Bellinger's injury, his reputation as an above-average contributor remains intact. "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, hinting at the possibility of a turnaround either through Bellinger's recovery or potential trade scenarios that could benefit the Cubs.
As Cody Bellinger prepares to turn 29 this Saturday, the Cubs—and their fanbase—will look to future games with cautious optimism, hoping for a swift recovery and a potential return that could swing the momentum back in their favor.