Unfortunately, Pressly turned out not to be the Cubs\u2019 late inning shutdown man and was eventually released.<\/p>\n
Daniel Palencia, however, DID turn out to be that man, at least for a good, long while.<\/p>\n
Palencia was called up from Triple-A Iowa in mid-April and would soon lay claim to the closer gig in an eye-catching run that made him a Wrigley Field fan favorite. As August began, the hard-throwing righty from Venezuela had posted an impressive 1.40 ERA and was working with the swagger of an accomplished veteran.<\/p>\n
Then, things just kind of fell apart.<\/p>\n
The late collapse of Daniel Palencia
\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/USATSI_25969361-900x600.jpg\"\/)
Daniel Palencia (48) reacts after getting the final out on Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
More News: Chicago Cubs face big dilemma in Seiya Suzuki<\/a><\/p>\n Over the last two months of the season, Palencia fell to pieces. He posted a 7.07 ERA in 17 appearances during that stretch, with an IL stint after the first week of September to boot. In the playoffs, after clearly having drifted outside manager Craig Counsell\u2019s circle of trust, he was just passable, with a 3.52 ERA in six appearances.<\/p>\n So, it was a fairly big surprise earlier this spring training when Counsell affirmed that, as of right now, the 26-year-old Palencia is their high-leverage man in the ninth inning.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one sitting here a year ago thought that he\u2019d be pitching as a closer, pitching huge innings in the middle of the game in the playoffs,\u201d Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told media<\/a>. \u201cHe did an amazing job. I think his maturation was obvious to everyone. We\u2019re super excited about him.\u201d<\/p>\n That optimism is not shared by all. To be honest, it\u2019s hard to be all that optimistic about Palencia\u2019s 2026 when he looked so vulnerable in the last part of 2025.<\/p>\n A media vote of confidence Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report<\/a>, however, stills views Palencia with rose-colored glasses, recently naming him the Cubs\u2019 \u201cBreakout Pitcher\u201d of 2026.<\/p>\n Per Reuter:<\/p>\n \u201cThe rise from fringe roster candidate to a 22-save season might already look like a breakout, and it was in many respects, but there\u2019s still another gear for a pitcher with the stuff to be one of baseball\u2019s elite closers. A few bumps in the road and a late injury kept Palencia\u2019s 2025 from being a true ascent to elite status, but an early vote of confidence from manager Craig Counsell this spring and a fastball (99.6 mph)\/slider (39.4% whiff) combo few can match hint at more to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Palencia will sink or swim in 2026 With Palencia, the talent is clearly there. As mentioned above, he was exceptional for most of the season and cleanly won that closer job on a team clearly headed to postseason play. But then, he seemed to buckle under the pressure late in the season.<\/p>\n Will his mindset be different heading into 2026? If he fails to be the closer the Cubs need, that job will fall to incoming free agents, the oft-injured Hunter Harvey or Phil Maton. Maybe Counsell would commit to a closer-by-committee plan.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Palencia, himself, seems confident that the end of 2025 will not extend through 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cI learned that\u2019s a tough situation,\u201d Palencia said<\/a>. \u201cThe game is on the line. Just trying to be calm, be myself. Trust myself.<\/p>\n \u201cI always knew I was that guy. I know I\u2019m that guy for that situation.\u201d<\/p>\n As is always the case, time will tell.<\/p>\n Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner listed as 3rd best second baseman in MLB \t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE <\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_27213214-897x600.jpg\"\/)
Sep 30, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitch Daniel Palencia (48) throws a pitch in the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26014515-900x600.jpg\"\/)
Apr 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) celebrates a win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_26868568_168419782_lowres-e1769777847310.jpg\"\/)
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