Cubs’ Craig Counsell Makes the First Big Roster Decision of the Season

As Major League Baseball’s spring training kicked into full gear, managers across the league were faced with the tough task of answering some of their teams’ biggest questions.

For the Chicago Cubs, the offseason was full of excitement and high hopes for 2026, but one lingering question remained: who would be their closer? That uncertainty centered around Daniel Palencia, the 26-year-old right-hander from Venezuela. Palencia had impressed early last season, securing the closer role and showcasing some of the most electrifying stuff in the game. However, a shoulder injury in September forced him to miss some time, and he returned as more of a setup man in the latter part of the season.

While the regular season is still six weeks away, Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell wasted no time in making his decision. As ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported, Counsell confirmed that, barring any setbacks, Palencia would be the Cubs’ ninth-inning man heading into the season.

“I asked Craig Counsell if Daniel Palencia would get the ninth inning if the season were starting right now,” Rogers wrote. “Instead of the usual ‘we have outs-getter’ answer, he simply said, ‘Yes.'”

This decision comes after a successful 2025 campaign for Palencia, who appeared in 54 games, posted a 2.91 ERA, and struck out 61 batters in 52 2/3 innings. He went 22-for-25 in save opportunities, a stark contrast to his previous two seasons in which he had only one major league save.

With the departure of Brad Keller to free agency and the trade of Andrew Kittredge to the Baltimore Orioles, the Cubs didn’t have many internal options to take over the closer’s role. Porter Hodge briefly held the position in 2024 but struggled with a 6.27 ERA in 36 appearances last season, effectively eliminating him from contention for the role in 2026.

In this context, Palencia’s emergence as the closer seems like the right decision for the Cubs. The team has a deep bullpen, bringing in a plethora of relievers during the offseason, but Counsell is confident in Palencia’s ability to hold down the ninth inning. That confidence will likely allow the Cubs to make adjustments throughout the season, should the need arise.

Why the Closer Decision is Important for the Cubs

The Cubs’ bullpen has been a source of uncertainty in recent years, especially as they made their playoff push in 2025. While the Cubs finished the regular season with 92 wins and a postseason berth, their bullpen was one area where they struggled early on in the season.

Before Palencia seized the closer’s role, the Cubs had experimented with several pitchers, including Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, and even Ryan Pressly, but none were able to secure the position long-term. Keller and Thielbar had their moments, but neither could provide the consistency needed to be the Cubs’ go-to closer.

The Cubs had also given Porter Hodge a shot in the closer’s role, but his struggles with a high ERA forced them to look elsewhere. With this in mind, Palencia’s dominance at the back end of the bullpen last season is one of the reasons Counsell felt confident in his decision to make Palencia the closer for 2026. It also reflects the Cubs’ strategy to stabilize the bullpen, which will be crucial in securing tight victories, especially in high-stakes games.

Offseason Moves to Support the Bullpen

To bolster their bullpen even further, the Cubs made several strategic moves during the offseason. They brought in Phil Maton, a reliever with a track record of success in high-leverage situations. Maton is expected to play a pivotal role in the setup role, particularly in the seventh and eighth innings. Adding Maton, along with other new faces like Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, and Jacob Webb, gives the Cubs more depth in the bullpen, which could prove vital for the team throughout the season.

With the addition of these new arms, the Cubs are not only building a strong closer situation but also making sure they have the flexibility to handle late-inning situations in various ways. The bullpen will be one of the most scrutinized aspects of the Cubs’ roster this season, and Counsell’s early commitment to Palencia as the closer shows that the team is willing to make bold moves when necessary.

Palencia’s Stuff: What Makes Him the Right Choice

What exactly makes Palencia such a good fit for the closer’s role? It’s his arsenal of pitches, particularly his fastball and slider. With a fastball that consistently hits the high 90s, along with a devastating slider, Palencia has the tools to get swings and misses from hitters, which is crucial for any closer.

His ability to generate strikeouts has been one of the driving factors behind his success. In 2025, he racked up 61 strikeouts in just over 52 innings, proving that he can handle high-pressure situations. These factors are why Counsell and the Cubs’ coaching staff are so confident in his ability to handle the closer’s role in 2026.

However, as with any bullpen pitcher, Palencia’s success will depend on his ability to stay healthy and remain consistent. Bullpen arms can be volatile, and one bad outing or a small injury can derail even the most promising careers. This is a risk the Cubs will need to manage carefully, but so far, Palencia has shown the talent and composure to thrive in the role.

Looking Ahead: The Cubs’ Plans for the 2026 Season

The Cubs are gearing up for a season with high expectations. After reaching the postseason in 2025, the team has only one goal in mind: to improve and make a deeper run into the playoffs. Having a reliable closer is a critical part of that goal, and Counsell’s decision to name Palencia the ninth-inning man is a step in the right direction.

While Palencia is locked in as the closer, the Cubs will continue to monitor their bullpen options throughout the season. The addition of Maton and the other relievers gives them a wealth of talent in the bullpen, but they’ll need to stay flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.

The Cubs’ strategy will rely heavily on the bullpen to maintain their lead in tight games, and it all starts with Palencia in the ninth inning. This is a pivotal moment for the Cubs, and their bullpen will be under the microscope as they try to build on their success from last season.

The Cubs’ Bullpen: A Key to Their Playoff Success

As the Cubs look to take the next step in their rebuilding process, the bullpen will be a central factor in their success. With Palencia as their closer and a deep group of relievers at Counsell’s disposal, the Cubs are in a strong position to make another postseason push. The key will be consistency, health, and performance, but with Palencia leading the charge in the ninth inning, the Cubs are setting themselves up for a thrilling 2026 season.

As fans look ahead to the start of the season, one thing is certain: the Cubs will have one of the most exciting bullpens in the league, and much of that excitement will center around Daniel Palencia and his quest to prove that he is the closer the Cubs need to make another deep postseason run.

In conclusion, Counsell’s decision to hand Palencia the closer role may seem like a simple one, but it reflects a larger commitment to building a championship-caliber bullpen. With Palencia leading the way, the Cubs have the chance to compete with the best teams in MLB and make their mark in the 2026 season. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as Palencia takes on this critical role, hoping to lead the Cubs to another exciting postseason.