Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has found himself back on the injured list due to a fractured left middle finger, placing a significant dent in the Cubs' strategic plans. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, where a seventh-inning pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez struck Bellinger on the hand. Although Bellinger initially continued to play, he was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
This injury couldn't come at a more inopportune moment for the Cubs. Heading into Thursday, Bellinger was a central figure in Chicago's lineup, slashing .269/.331/.410 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. His performance had contributed to a 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference, a testament to his value on the field. However, Bellinger’s current stat line reflects a regression from his standout 2023 season, raising concerns about his form and future impact.
Team Strategy and Impact of the Injury
With a current record of 44-49, the Cubs sit 10 games back in the National League Central and 3.5 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger's absence compounds the dilemma facing the team as they navigate their upcoming schedule, which includes wrapping up their series with the Orioles before heading into a critical set against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In response to Bellinger’s injury, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old's promotion comes with hopes that he can fill the void left in the outfield, though the pressure will undoubtedly be intense for the young player.
Trade Deadline Considerations
Bellinger's injury also casts a shadow over the Cubs’ approach to the fast-approaching trade deadline. The star outfielder is on a three-year contract that includes an opt-out clause after each season, further complicating the Cubs' decision-making process. "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger," noted an insider.
The uncertainty surrounding Bellinger's future performance and his unusual profile may deter some teams from making a serious bid. "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," commented another insider. This caution could lead to a scenario where Bellinger remains with the Cubs, either because potential trade partners fear he might opt-in and underperform, or because they use this uncertainty to negotiate a less favorable return for Chicago. "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," added the insider.
The Road Ahead
Optimism lingers that a return to form could shift the narrative before the deadline. "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," observed an insider.
Bellinger’s upcoming 29th birthday on Saturday adds another layer to his already intriguing storyline. The seasoned outfielder has weathered numerous ups and downs throughout his career, and this latest setback will test his resilience once again. As the Cubs strategize their next moves, the onus will be on their roster depth and young talents like Canario to step up and mitigate the impact of Bellinger's absence. The coming weeks will reveal whether Chicago decides to bolster its roster for a late-season push or if the team’s trajectory leads to a reshuffling of assets for future gains.