MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs have officially designated Daniel Palencia as their closer to start the upcoming season, announced during the team’s first pitchers’ and catchers’ workout on Wednesday. Manager Craig Counsell, known for avoiding specific bullpen assignments in public, clearly stated Palencia will handle the ninth inning in save situations if the season were to begin immediately. The 26-year-old responded with a smile upon hearing the confirmation.
Palencia expressed his readiness and commitment, stating,
“It’s just awesome for me. I worked a lot this offseason too, just trying to be ready to help the team. Like I said before last season, I’m just trying to be ready for any inning. If he needs me in the fifth, then I’ll be there. My job is making outs. That’s what I want to do.”
In describing high-pressure moments, Palencia added,
“In those situations, you’ve got the game on the line, just trying to be you and trust in your stuff and attack the hitters. It’s a tough situation, so you have to relax.”
Palencia’s Rise From Struggles to Key Postseason Contributor
Palencia’s path to becoming the Cubs’ closer has involved a significant turnaround. His 2024 season was challenging, with a 6.14 ERA, a 66 ERA+, and a 1.773 WHIP in just 10 appearances covering 14 2/3 innings. This raised doubts about his ability to contribute meaningfully that year. However, he rebounded impressively in 2025, recording a 2.91 ERA and securing 22 saves across 52 2/3 innings, which earned him a vital bullpen role during the postseason.
Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations, praised Palencia’s development:
“No one sitting here a year ago would have thought he was me pitching as a closer last year, pitching huge innings in the middle of the game in the playoffs the way he did and so he did an amazing job. His maturation was obvious to everyone. We’re super excited about him.”
Veteran Additions Bolster Cubs Bullpen Depth
The Cubs also strengthened their relief corps by signing experienced relievers Hunter Harvey and Hoby Milner during the offseason. Harvey, 31, viewed joining the team as an easy decision after hearing about the success other pitchers have found with the Cubs. With prior injuries slowing him over the last two seasons, he was attracted by the team’s potential for a deep postseason run and the quality of the support staff.
Harvey explained,
“That’s kind of what I’m looking for so to be able to get involved with the guys that have been helping make that happen, it made it a very easy decision. All the coaches, all the pitching coaches, the strength coaches, the trainers, everybody, they just caught my eye a little bit more than everybody else I talked to.”
Left-handed reliever Milner, who the Cubs have pursued in previous offseasons, echoed the ambition shared by the clubhouse.
“Everyone that’s in this clubhouse wants to help get this team to a World Series, and that’s why we’re all here, and I think it’s nice to join a team that’s proven to be successful — that was one of my goals this offseason,”
Milner said.
“It’s definitely a privilege to be wanted by a team that’s a contender and expected to win the (National League) Central, so I’m excited.”
Spring Training Broadcast Plans and Media Strategy
The Cubs announced their spring training media arrangements, revealing that 11 of the 32 preseason games will be televised on Marquee Sports Network, while 10 will be broadcast on WSCR-AM 670 and FM 104.3. Notably, 18 exhibition games will not have coverage on either outlet, including many home games. Marquee will carry the first two Cactus League matchups on February 20 and 21, then resume coverage starting March 1 with the spring breakout game featuring top prospects.
Crane Kenney, Cubs’ president of business operations, shared insights on this decision:
“But it seemed like it made the most sense to us in terms of, like any budget, where do you want to cut and what do you want to emphasize? So we’re going to emphasize the pre, the post and the games with the same technology, same talent, to give our fans the very best games. And we made that decision on spring training, we’re going to do fewer.”
The Road Ahead for the Cubs and Their New Closer
As spring training progresses in Mesa, Palencia’s appointment as closer signals the Cubs’ confidence in his matured abilities following a pivotal previous season. With veteran reinforcements like Harvey and Milner joining the bullpen, Chicago is aiming to build on last year’s playoff run and contend strongly in the National League Central division. The selective media coverage approach reflects a strategic focus on quality over quantity in connecting with fans during the preseason.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as the Cubs finalize their roster and pitching strategy to meet their ambitious goals. Daniel Palencia’s role as closer is expected to be a key factor in the team’s late-inning success, potentially shaping their trajectory as they pursue a return to postseason competition.
