MESA, Ariz. — On Wednesday, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that right-handed pitcher Daniel Palencia will serve as the team’s closer for Opening Day. This decision comes as a surprise given the recent changes to the bullpen and Palencia’s varied roles last season, but it marks a vote of confidence in the 26-year-old’s development. The move reflects the team’s need for a reliable ninth-inning pitcher despite not signing an established closer during the offseason.
Palencia’s Role and Performance Last Season
Throughout the 2025 season, Palencia was largely responsible for finishing games, saving 22 out of 25 opportunities. However, after suffering an injury, he lost his closer duties to Brad Keller and transitioned to pitching middle innings. His effectiveness dipped in the second half, as he posted a 5.40 ERA compared to an impressive 1.57 during the first half of the year. Despite this decline, the Cubs’ coaching staff remains optimistic about Palencia’s potential going forward.
Team Leaders Praise Palencia’s Growth and Potential
Jed Hoyer, Cubs President of Baseball Operations, acknowledged Palencia’s unexpected rise to closer last year and emphasized his progress.
“No one sitting here a year ago thought he would be pitching as a closer,”
said Hoyer.
“He did an amazing job. His maturation was obvious to everyone. We’re super excited about him.”
Palencia himself recognizes the challenges of closing and is committed to improving his technique.
“I’m going to use my splitter more now,”
Palencia stated, highlighting adjustments to his pitching mix.
Refining His Pitching Arsenal for High-Pressure Situations
Known for his powerful fastball, Palencia averaged 99.6 mph last season, with batters hitting just .216 against that pitch. Despite its velocity, he only threw the fastball 71 percent of the time, using his split-finger pitch sparingly at 4.5 percent. The splitter proved highly effective, yielding a .143 batting average against, and Palencia plans to rely on it more often than his slider in the upcoming season.
“I learned that it’s a tough situation,”
Palencia said about pitching in the ninth inning.
“The game is on the line. Trying to be calm on the mound but being aggressive to the hitter.”
Team Outlook and Palencia’s Role in the Cubs’ Future
The Cubs reached the postseason last year and are aiming to build on that success in 2026. Palencia is one of the few holdovers from the previous bullpen, returning to the closer position he first took last April. The team’s leadership has expressed confidence that they will remain flexible financially at the trade deadline and could explore acquiring a new closer if necessary. However, this is not a current focus, especially for Palencia.
“I love it,” Palencia said regarding his role closing games, adding,
“Trusting your stuff and attacking the hitters.”
As the Cubs prepare for the new season in Mesa, Arizona, Palencia’s promotion reflects both his individual growth and the organization’s commitment to developing internal talent in high-pressure roles.
