The Chicago Cubs have named right-hander Daniel Palencia as their Opening Day closer for the 2026 season. Manager Craig Counsell made the announcement Wednesday during the team's first day of spring training in Mesa, Arizona, surprising reporters with the direct confirmation.

Palencia, 26, saved 22 games in 25 opportunities last season before losing the role to Brad Keller after returning from injury. He finished the year pitching in middle innings, posting a 5.40 ERA in the second half after a stellar 1.57 mark in the first half. The Cubs' offseason overhaul of their bullpen left the closer role open, making Palencia the natural choice.

Palencia plans to rely more heavily on his splitter this season, which held opponents to a .143 batting average last year. His fastball averaged 99.6 mph, with batters hitting just .216 against it. The flamethrower threw his fastball 71 percent of the time compared to just 4.5 percent for his splitter. "I learned that it's a tough situation," Palencia said of pitching the ninth inning. "The game is on the line. Trying to be calm on the mound but being aggressive to the hitter." The Cubs, who made the postseason in 2025, are counting on Palencia to anchor their bullpen as they aim to build on last year's success.