“If the right moment comes, Palencia has to be on that mound,” a source close to the team stated, underscoring the confidence in Daniel Palencia’s abilities as a pitcher.
Palencia joined the Cubs’ bullpen in April last year and quickly made an impact, notching the first of 22 saves on May 21. Over the course of the season, he turned in a 2.91 ERA, striking out 61 batters while walking 16 in 52 2/3 innings across 54 appearances.
Despite a challenging 2024 season where he posted a 6.14 ERA in a 10-game stint in the Majors, Palencia’s performance during the playoffs was notable. He managed to post a zero in five of his six outings, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
This spring, Palencia has continued to impress, pitching seven scoreless innings. His recent performances have drawn attention, especially after serving as the closer for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
During the tournament, Palencia successfully closed down wins for Venezuela in both the quarterfinals against Japan and the semifinals against Italy, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable closer.
Another source remarked, “He deserves the opportunity, and international baseball needs that boost in legitimacy,” highlighting the importance of Palencia’s role in promoting the sport.
Palencia’s journey reflects a significant moment in his career, as his performance in international competitions and the MLB could shape his future with the Cubs.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Palencia continues to develop and whether he can maintain his momentum from the World Baseball Classic.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding his role in upcoming games, but expectations are high for this promising pitcher.
