Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger faced a significant setback this past Thursday as he was placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury transpired during Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, where Bellinger was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Despite the initial blow, Bellinger remained in the game momentarily before being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In response to Bellinger's injury, the Cubs recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move. Twenty-three-year-old Canario will now have the opportunity to showcase his talents on the main stage as the Cubs navigate this challenging phase of their season.
Season Impact and Team Performance
Bellinger's absence comes as a considerable blow to a Cubs team situated precariously in the standings. Before Thursday, he was delivering a .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) slash line with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases, indicative of his solid contribution to the team. His efforts have amounted to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, as per Baseball Reference's estimates, underlining his value on the field.
The Cubs, currently holding a 44-49 record, are 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL’s final wild-card spot. This precarious positioning has led insiders to speculate about the team's strategies as the trade deadline approaches.
Trade Deadline Speculations
There is a burgeoning discussion about whether the Cubs should entertain offers for Bellinger. An insider remarked, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." This sentiment arises partly because Bellinger's three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, creating uncertainty about his long-term 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," the insider elaborated.
Despite his consistent performance, there is an acknowledgment that 2023 hasn't mirrored his prowess of the previous year. "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, adding another layer of complexity to potential trade considerations.
Strategic Considerations for the Cubs
The potential ramifications of trading Bellinger are multifaceted. "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," an insider suggested. Yet, the looming trade deadline does inject a dynamic element into the scenario, as a strong performance leading up to it could shift the landscape. "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 added, emphasizing Bellinger’s enduring value.
Looking Forward
The Cubs will wrap up their series with the Orioles on Thursday before facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals in their upcoming series. As they forge ahead without Bellinger for the foreseeable future, all eyes will be on how Canario manages his transition from Triple-A to the majors and how the Cubs maneuver through this challenging stretch of their season.
As Bellinger turns 29 this Saturday, the future—both immediate and long-term—remains uncertain not just for him, but for the Cubs as well. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact the team's direction, making this period a pivotal chapter in Chicago’s 2023 journey.