Sep 5, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Cubs Face Closer Crisis with Daniel Palencia’s Indefinite Absence
The Chicago Cubs are riding a wave of momentum as they secure their postseason berth, yet a significant challenge looms over them: the absence of closer Daniel Palencia due to a shoulder strain. As the playoff picture sharpens, the Cubs must address a critical hole in their bullpen that could impact their October aspirations.
Cubs Surge Towards the Playoffs
The Cubs have shown resilience in their recent performance, clinching a spot in the postseason. While their exact positioning—whether they will emerge as the National League Central champions or a Wild Card team—remains undecided, the team is poised for meaningful games in the upcoming month.
The season has been a rollercoaster for Chicago, with the first half marked by explosive offense and a strong foothold in the league standings. However, a notable decline in production from key players like Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong has hindered their consistency. Despite these challenges, the Cubs are now gearing up for October, but their success hinges on finding a reliable option for the ninth inning.
The Closer Conundrum
Palencia’s emergence as a standout closer has been a bright spot for the Cubs this season. Acquired in the offseason, the team had high hopes for Ryan Pressly, a veteran reliever with a successful track record in Houston. Unfortunately, Pressly’s stint with the Cubs did not meet expectations, leading to his release earlier this season.
With Pressly gone and Porter Hodge—who played a significant role in the bullpen last year—struggling to find his rhythm, Palencia stepped into the closer role and thrived. His recent injury, however, has left the Cubs scrambling for alternatives.
Limited Options in the Bullpen
As the situation stands, the Cubs are left with few reliable options to fill the void left by Palencia. Currently, they are looking at Andrew Kittridge and Brad Keller as potential candidates to take over closing duties. The uncertainty surrounding Palencia’s return adds to the urgency of this dilemma, as the Cubs need to solidify their bullpen to navigate the challenges of postseason play.
Looking Ahead
With October fast approaching, the Cubs must act swiftly to address their closer situation. The team’s ability to thrive in high-pressure games may well depend on their effectiveness in the ninth inning. As Chicago aims for a deep playoff run, finding a reliable arm to close out games will be paramount.
The road ahead will test the Cubs’ depth and adaptability, but with their recent performance, they remain a formidable contender in the postseason landscape.
