Cubs closer Palencia poised for bullpen role amid roster moves
Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia could reclaim the closer role after impressing coaches during winter workouts, as the team sorts out bullpen roles before spring training.
The Chicago Cubs appear ready to hand Daniel Palencia another shot at the closer role as the team shuffles its bullpen ahead of the 2025 season.
Palencia, who briefly held the ninth-inning job last season before losing it amid inconsistent performance, has impressed coaching staff during winter workouts at the team’s Mesa facility, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 3.84 ERA in 47 appearances last season but struggled in high-leverage situations, converting just 8 of 12 save opportunities before being moved to a setup role in August.
“Daniel’s got the stuff to close games,” manager Craig Counsell said during a recent media session at Wrigley Field. “It’s about putting it all together consistently.”
The Cubs’ closer situation remains fluid after trading away veteran reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees in November. That move cleared salary space but left questions about who would handle ninth-inning duties for a team hoping to contend in the competitive National League Central.
Palencia’s fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his slider has shown significant improvement since working with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy last season. The Venezuela native struck out 52 batters in 49.1 innings pitched in 2024.
Other candidates for save situations include setup man Adbert Alzolay, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, and newly signed free agent Brad Boxberger, a veteran with 32 career saves.
The Cubs open spring training next month in Mesa, where bullpen roles will be determined before the team’s March 28 season opener against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field.
Counsell said the team won’t rush to name a closer, preferring to see how pitchers perform in game situations during Cactus League play.