Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger. The injury took place during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch from left-handed reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Although Bellinger initially stayed in the game, he was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
As a corresponding roster move, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa, bringing a young, fresh talent to the squad. Canario, at just 23 years old, now faces the challenge of filling the significant void left by Bellinger's absence.
Bellinger's Season Performance
Entering Thursday, Bellinger has been hitting with a .269/.331/.410 slash line, achieving nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, which adds up to a 107 OPS+. Despite not repeating his stellar 2023 form, Bellinger remains a critical component of the team, contributing an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
Bellinger will turn 29 this Saturday, making his injury an untimely setback. His three-year contract includes an opt-out clause after each season, adding a layer of uncertainty regarding his long-term future with Chicago. An insider commented on this by saying, "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."
Cubs' Current Standing and Future Implications
The Cubs currently hold a 44-49 record, placing them 10 games behind in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of clinching the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's absence could further impact the team’s already precarious playoff chances. A well-timed winning streak could still shift momentum, but Bellinger's injury significantly complicates the team’s strategy leading up to 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," suggested an insider. The same insider pointed out that while Bellinger's current performance isn't as strong as last year, teams might still show interest, given his above-average contributions. "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."
However, his unusual profile and the opt-out clause in his contract may lead to hesitation among potential trade partners. The insider elaborated, "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." This delicate balance makes the Cubs' forthcoming decisions even more nuanced.
New Talent on the Field
With Canario being elevated to the Major League roster, the Cubs are putting faith in the young outfielder to rise to the occasion. Alexander Canario has shown promise in the minors and now has an opportunity to prove his mettle on a bigger stage. The next few games could serve as a crucial audition for Canario, especially with the Cubs facing the Baltimore Orioles to wrap up their current series, followed by a pivotal series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
As the Cubs navigate this challenging stretch, they will need to strategize not only for immediate results but also for the broader implications on their roster and prospects. Cody Bellinger's injury certainly complicates matters, but it also presents a critical juncture for the team to reassess and recalibrate their approach for the remainder of the season.