At 38-23, the Chicago Cubs are on top of the National League Central and among the best teams in the sport. They have a dynamic offense led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki. However, one unsung hero has been closer Daniel Palencia. Palencia’s unique pitching method has become popular with his teammates.
Daniel Palencia’s Pitch Clock Routine Amuses Nico Hoerner
The Cubs seem to have an excellent clubhouse dynamic, and that was put on display at second baseman Nico Hoerner talked about how much he enjoys watching Palencia. While talking to The Score, Hoerner discussed the emergence of Palencia and laughed at how Palencia takes advantage of the pitch clock to frustrate hitters. Hoerner said, “It’s almost like he’s charging up to throw a ball as hard as he can.”
Palencia has been a revelation for the Cubs’ bullpen this season. The team acquired former All-Star closer Ryan Pressley during the offseason, but he lost the closer’s job after some early-season struggles, which opened the door for Palencia. He has a 1.74 ERA and appears to be the team’s primary closer moving forward.
Back in 2021, the Cubs struck a deal with the A’s for Andrew Chafin that included Greg Deichmann as the return to Chicago. Daniel Palencia was a flyer in the trade, a scuffling pitcher with a 6.91 ERA in Low-A ball. He sure looks like a big league closer. pic.twitter.com/8IQEa5S9Nq
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 31, 2025
The Cubs acquired Palencia from the Athletics in 2021. He made his major league debut in 2023, appearing in 27 games for the Cubs and posting a 4.45 ERA. Last year, he struggled in the minor leagues while appearing in 10 games for the Cubs and posting a 6.14 ERA. It’s fair to say the Cubs weren’t sure what type of production they would receive from Palencia heading into this season.
Despite being listed at 160 pounds, Palencia generates tremendous velocity, with his 99 miles per hour average fastball ranking him among the hardest throwers in the sport. Hitters are batting .115 against the pitch. He also throws a hard slider that batters are hitting .188 against and has a higher whiff rate than his fastball.
Palencia also ranks among the top relievers in the sport at limiting hard contact. Palencia has held batters to a 2% barrel rate. While he’s battled control issues, his 9% walk rate is a career low. It’s fair to wonder if Palencia can maintain this production level as the season progresses.
If he does, however, the Cubs will truly become a World Series contender, with a dominant closer in the bullpen supporting one of the best offenses in the league.