Looks Like the Cubs Figured Out Their Biggest Bullpen Problem

Hey, I think the Cubs found their closer.

Believe it or not, after that crazy game against the Diamondbacks back on April 18, the Cubs' bullpen actually has the best ERA in all of MLB at 2.59. It's one thing the organization has been able to piece together the last three seasons and while it's frustrating that some games have been given away early in the year because certain bullpen roles are in limbo, it's great to see the bullpen come together and become a strength.

Still, the one big struggle even when the bullpen has looked great is that the Cubs haven't really had a shutdown closer. Well, Daniel Palencia sure as hell is pitching like a shutdown closer for the Cubs right now.

The 25-year-old reliever recorded his fifth straight save, retiring the Reds in order to secure a 2-0 win for the Cubs on Saturday.

Palencia was given support by his manager Craig Counsell after the right-hander blew his first chance and took the loss against the Marlins on May 19. With Porter Hodge on the injured list and veteran Ryan Pressly trying to work through his struggles after losing the closer role, Palencia has responded with the best pitching of his young career after the vote of confidence.

Including Saturday's game against the Reds, Palencia has 6 K, 1 BB and has only allowed one hit during this stretch of five consecutive saves. The hard-throwing pitcher now has a 1.74 ERA in 20.2 innings this season. Those two runs against the Marlins have been the only runs Palencia has allowed in his last 15 games.

It's truly incredible how much things can change over a baseball season because as Palencia appears to have taken over as the Cubs' closer heading into June, you might have forgotten that he wasn't even on the Opening Day roster to begin the season. Palencia wasn't called up until April 15, when the Cubs made a handful of roster moves in San Diego.

He's still only 25-years-old and while baseball fans are becoming more used to seeing young stars come up faster than ever and have success early in their careers it's important to give guys time to develop. Cubs fans have been hearing about Palencia since 2022, and we've seen glimpses of how good he could be in the past. Yet, entering 2025, Palencia had a total of 43 innings in the big leagues.

Now, after overcoming some injuries, maturing as a pitcher and maybe with the help of new voices in the organization Palencia is putting it all together on the mound and all of a sudden looks like he's the answer to the biggest bullpen problem the Cubs haven't figured out since re-entering their contention window.

Daniel Palencia is the guy Cubs fans now want to see as the closer.