Daniel Palencia had a breakout 2025 campaign before the World Baseball Classic, showcasing his skills as a formidable pitcher. During the tournament, he recorded three saves for Venezuela, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Palencia’s performance included a clean ninth inning against Italy, which helped secure Venezuela’s first appearance in the World Baseball Classic. He also closed out Venezuela’s win over the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament.
Notably, Palencia did not allow a hit in five appearances throughout the World Baseball Classic, logging five scoreless innings and striking out nine batters. His fastball velocity was impressive, averaging 98.1 mph against the U.S., and reaching 99.3 mph against Italy.
In total, Palencia threw 30 fastballs, seven sliders, and two splitters over three games, with a total pitch count of 39. His performance has drawn attention from major league teams and fans alike.
Omar López, a key figure in the Venezuelan team, remarked, “I woke this morning, three text messages from different organizations trying not to pitch guys back to back.” This highlights the interest in Palencia’s abilities following his standout performances.
Palencia himself commented on his training, stating, “With that fastball, it is not easy to have good control, but I train that with my coaches in Venezuela.” His dedication to improving his skills has clearly paid off.
As the 2025 season progressed, Palencia logged a 2.91 ERA, 22 saves, and 61 strikeouts across 52.2 innings for the Cubs. His success in the World Baseball Classic has led to him being named the Cubs’ closer heading into the 2026 season.
Looking ahead, observers expect Palencia to continue his upward trajectory in Major League Baseball, especially after his impressive showing on the international stage. His fastball velocity and strikeout capability make him a valuable asset for any team.
Mark DeRosa, another notable figure in baseball, expressed his admiration, saying, “Honoring the Padres,” in reference to the significance of Palencia’s achievements.
As the baseball community reflects on Palencia’s performance, it is clear that he has established himself as a rising star in the sport, with many eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming season.
