Bellinger's Injury Adds to Chicago Cubs' Woes as Season Spirals
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious position, grappling with a new setback following the fracture of Cody Bellinger's left middle finger. The star outfielder was placed on the injured list on Thursday, a move triggered by an unfortunate incident during Wednesday's clash against the Baltimore Orioles. A pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez landed Bellinger on the ground in pain during the seventh inning, ultimately forcing him out of the game.
Despite the injury, Bellinger initially attempted to carry on, but was later substituted by Miles Mastrobuoni. With Bellinger sidelined, the Cubs have turned to Triple-A Iowa, recalling 23-year-old Alexander Canario in a corresponding roster move. The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse, coming right before Bellinger’s 29th birthday and in the heat of a challenging season.
Impact on Bellinger's Performance and Cubs' Strategy
Entering Thursday’s game, Bellinger had a .269/.331/.410 line, accompanied by nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. His contributions, valued at 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, have been a critical aspect of the Cubs’ lineup. However, his performance this year pales in comparison to his stellar 2023 season.
The Cubs, holding a 44-49 record, are 10 games back in the National League Central and lag 3 1/2 games behind the final wild-card spot. This midseason crisis forces the team to reevaluate expectations and strategies, especially with the trade deadline looming. As one insider opines, “With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger.”
Uncertainty Around Bellinger's Contract
Bellinger’s three-year pact, which features an opt-out clause after each season, adds another layer of complexity. An insider noted, “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 contractual stipulation puts the Cubs in a tricky position when considering trade offers or future planning.
Moreover, Bellinger's mixed performance and unique profile could dampen trade interest. “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,” said an insider. These variables potentially influence Bellinger's trade value and the Cubs' willingness to part ways with him.
Future Prospects and Immediate Schedule
The possibility of Bellinger staying put remains strong, either due to other teams’ fears he might opt-in and underperform or attempts to leverage fewer concessions from the Cubs. “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 added.
However, a burst of exemplary performances from Bellinger leading up to the deadline could shift the dynamic. “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 concluded. Such a scenario would offer the Cubs leverage, either solidifying Bellinger’s role within the team or increasing his appeal as a trade asset.
In the immediate future, the Cubs wrap up their series with the Orioles before facing the St. Louis Cardinals. As the team navigates this tough stretch, the focus will be on reclaiming ground in the standings while managing roster adjustments necessitated by Bellinger’s absence. The young and promising Alexander Canario now has an opportunity to make his mark, potentially providing a glimpse into the future for a Cubs team that must pivot swiftly in response to recent developments.