Former Dodgers Star Cody Bellinger Heading to IL as Trade Deadline Nears
Cody Bellinger’s 2024 season has taken a turn for the worse.
The former Dodgers center fielder, who re-signed with the Chicago Cubs on Feb. 27, was hit by a 97-mph fastball on his left hand in Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Thursday, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left middle finger. The Cubs recalled outfielder Alexander Canario from Triple-A to take his place.
The 2019 National League MVP, Bellinger had been off to a decent start in 2024. His .269/.331/.410 slash line represented a dropoff in each category compared to 2023, when he finished 10th in National League MVP voting and picked up his second career Silver Slugger award. But it was good enough for a 107 OPS+ in a season that has seen offense slow around the league.
Bellinger also demonstrated his trademark versatility, appearing at four different positions and designated hitter while pacing for a 2-WAR season.
It was enough to make Bellinger among the more intriguing trade candidates ahead of the July 30 deadline. Although his $27.5 million salary for 2024 might be prohibitive for some clubs, he had a $27.5 million player option for 2025 and a $25 million player option for 2026 that could take the claiming team off the hook for Bellinger’s salary as early as this off-season.
Now, in light of the fractured finger, projecting Bellinger’s availability and performance for the remainder of the season just got tougher for contending teams.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
If Belli could be had for a reasonable contract, I’d take him back in a heart beat. Technically he represents an expiring contract but if the Dodgers wanted to keep him they could negotiate a long term deal that would keep him happy. He and Teoscar dould provide stability in the outfield for several years. Come home Cody!
Belli is signed for 2 more years @54M and won’t be opting out after another mediocre season. Cubs would love to get rid of him, and most certainly, the Dodgers have no interest in paying a guy superstar money for replacement-level production, that’s why they let him go. Teo not signed next year either, and will be looking to cash in on an excellent all-star season. Also Pages is statistically equal to Bellinger, but basically free. Other than all that, great post.