Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has hit a significant bump in the 2023 season after fracturing his left middle finger. This injury, incurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, came about when Bellinger was struck by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez in the seventh inning. Although he initially stayed in the game, Bellinger was eventually replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
In light of Bellinger’s injury, the Cubs made an immediate roster move by recalling Alexander Canario from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the Cubs are navigating a precarious position in the standings. Entering Thursday, they held a 44-49 record, sitting 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot.
Bellinger's Season So Far
Before his injury, Bellinger was having a respectable season, hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. While these numbers certainly reflect an above-average contributor, they don't quite measure up to his performance in 2023. His contributions this season have translated to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
As Bellinger approaches his 29th birthday this Saturday, both the Cubs' front office and fan base are left pondering what this means for the team's strategy as the trade deadline looms. Given the current state of the season, one 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."
Contract Considerations
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Bellinger’s contract. His three-year deal allows him to opt out after each season. "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," another insider pointed out. This clause means that trading Bellinger now could offer the Cubs some valuable assets before the risk of losing him for nothing becomes palpable.
However, not all is straightforward. "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," an insider commented. This could deter potential suitors or leverage them into prodding the Cubs for a more favorable deal.
Alexander Canario’s Opportunity
Given Bellinger's absence, Alexander Canario now finds himself with an opportunity to make an impression in the majors. The 23-year-old has shown promise at Triple-A Iowa, and his promotion is an attempt by the Cubs to inject some youthful energy into their lineup as they try to stay afloat in both the division and wild-card races. Canario's performance over the next few weeks could have significant implications for the Cubs' short-term strategy and long-term planning.
"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," mentioned an insider, underscoring the precarious nature of the Cubs' current roster decisions.
In the immediate future, the Cubs must wrap up their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday before taking on the St. Louis Cardinals. The outcome of these contests, along with Bellinger's recovery and Canario's performance, could very well shape the rest of the Cubs' 2023 season and influence their moves as the trade deadline approaches.
Bellinger's injury has thrust the Cubs into a challenging position, but also one filled with opportunities for careful maneuvering. Whether they keep Bellinger and hope for a strong finish to the season or decide that trading him yields more benefits, the next few weeks will be pivotal for the team's aspirations this year and beyond.