On the first official day of Spring Training, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was asked by Jesse Rogers at ESPN about who would get the first chance at being the teams closer. To somewhat of a surprise, he tapped right-hander Daniel Palencia as the team’s closer for Opening Day.
A season ago, Palencia emerged as the Cubs closer throughout much of the early and middle stretches of the year. He converted on 22 of 25 saves, but struggled in the second half. As a result, he finished September and the post season as a middle innings reliever.
With a rebuilt bullpen on the horizon for 2026, Counsell has quickly announced that Palencia will be his guy to get ninth inning duties to begin the year.
Daniel Palencia locked in as Chicago Cubs’ Opening Day closer
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins May 21, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) and catcher Miguel Amaya (9) celebrate a victory against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Counsell’s early vote of confidence suggests the Cubs believe the growing pains Palencia experienced a year ago are part of his evolution, not a red flag. Chicago’s front office reshaped the bullpen over the winter, adding depth and versatility, but opted against bringing in an established veteran to claim the ninth. Instead, they’re betting on upside.
Having a heater that can touch triple digits certainty helps, but Palencia also indicated that he plans on his splitter more. Last year, Palencia relied on the fastball 71% of the time, slider 23%, and splitter 5%, indicating that modifications to his pitch mix could benefit him.
Hopefully Palencia can recapture the form that saw him thrive in the role early last year. If he can, the Cubs may have more than just a steady closer, they could have a long-term anchor at the back of their bullpen.
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