Imagine this: the Chicago Cubs, fresh off a thrilling 2025 postseason run, are already making waves before the first pitch of the new season. In a move that’s both bold and unexpected, manager Craig Counsell has named Daniel Palencia as the team’s Opening Day closer. But here’s where it gets intriguing—Palencia, just 26, ended last season pitching in the middle innings, not the high-pressure ninth. So, what’s changed? And this is the part most people miss: the Cubs overhauled their bullpen in the offseason but didn’t sign a proven closer. That leaves Palencia, who saved 22 games last year before losing the role to Brad Keller post-injury, back in the spotlight.
Counsell, known for his cryptic “out-getters” philosophy when discussing bullpen roles, surprised everyone by confirming Palencia’s spot outright. “Yes,” he said simply, leaving reporters scrambling to unpack the decision. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer admitted, “No one sitting here a year ago thought he would be pitching as a closer. His maturation was obvious to everyone. We’re super excited about him.”
Palencia’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. After a dominant first half with a 1.57 ERA, he struggled in the second half, posting a 5.40 ERA. But he’s confident his revamped approach will make the difference. “I’m going to use my splitter more now,” he said, hinting at a shift in strategy. Known for his blazing fastball, which averaged 99.6 mph last season, Palencia plans to lean more on his splitter (just 4.5% usage last year) and less on his slider. Batters hit only .143 against his splitter, compared to .216 against his fastball, so this could be a game-changer.
Pitching the ninth inning, Palencia admits, is a mental grind. “The game is on the line. Trying to be calm on the mound but being aggressive to the hitter,” he said. It’s a delicate balance, but one he’s eager to master. “I love it,” he added. “Trusting your stuff and attacking the hitters.”
But here’s the controversial part: Is Palencia truly ready to anchor the bullpen for a team with postseason aspirations? While the Cubs have financial flexibility to make moves at the trade deadline, relying on a young, unproven closer could be risky. Closers often become available midseason as teams fall out of contention, but for now, Palencia is the man. Does this move signal confidence in his growth, or is it a temporary solution? Let’s discuss—do you think Palencia can handle the ninth-inning pressure, or should the Cubs look elsewhere? Share your thoughts below!
