Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia named as team’s breakout pitcher in 2026
The Chicago Cubs have a number of talented young arms on their roster. They are certainly hopeful that these youthful pitchers will play a big role on the team this year. Indeed, in order to be serious World Series contenders, their pitching staff must take the next step in 2026.
And while any number of their young arms could emerge as major contributors, it is Daniel Palencia who one MLB analyst believes will be the Cubs’ breakout candidate this year. In 2025, Palencia was 1-6 with a 2.91 ERA in 54 appearances out of the bullpen.
Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia identified as team’s breakout pitcher in 2026
Palencia was formerly an undrafted free agent signed by the then Oakland Athletics in 2020. In 2021, he was acquired by the Cubs in the trade that sent Andrew Chafin to the A’s.
He made his Major League debut in 2023, a year that saw him appear in 27 games and post a 4.45 ERA. In 2024, though, he only appeared in 10 games and posted a 6.14 ERA.
2025, though, saw him have the best season of his career, and Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes he will be Chicago’s breakout pitcher in 2026:
“The rise from fringe roster candidate to a 22-save season might already look like a breakout, and it was in many respects, but there’s still another gear for a pitcher with the stuff to be one of baseball’s elite closers.
“A few bumps in the road and a late injury kept Palencia’s 2025 from being a true ascent to elite status, but an early vote of confidence from manager Craig Counsell this spring and a fastball (99.6 mph)/slider (39.4% whiff) combo few can match hint at more to come.”
Reuter suggests that Palencia could soon emerge as one of the elite closers in all baseball. If he is able to stay healthy, then that is certainly very much a possibility.
More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports
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- Cubs power numbers way down in 2026, per projection
For More Chicago Sports
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-daniel-palencia-breakout-pitcher-2026/
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