MESA, Ariz. – Cubs manager Craig Counsell typically avoids assigning specific roles to his relievers, especially at the outset of Spring Training. It takes time for a bullpen to take shape and even the plans that look foolproof have a way of changing during a season.
That made his response to a hypothetical question about the ninth inning unexpected on Wednesday morning, when the Cubs’ pitchers and catchers officially reported to camp. Counsell was asked directly if Daniel Palencia would get the ball in the ninth at the start of the season.
“Yeah,” Counsell said matter-of-factly.
No follow-up questions required. Palencia is the Cubs’ closer.
“To be honest, to hear that from him, it’s just awesome for me,” Palencia said. “I worked a lot this offseason to just be ready to help my team. Like I’ve said before, last season, I’m just trying to be ready for any inning. If he needs me in the fifth, in the ninth, I’ll be there. My job is making outs – that’s what I want to do.”
A year ago, Palencia was coming off a 2024 season plagued by control issues and a rough overall showing (6.14 ERA) in just 10 games for the Cubs. The 26-year-old righty began ‘25 with Triple-A Iowa, but he returned to Chicago in mid-April and swiftly earned Counsell’s trust. Palencia notched his first save on May 21 in Miami and ended the year with 22 saves, a 2.91 ERA and 61 strikeouts against 16 walks in 54 games (52 2/3 innings).
Palencia missed time in September with a right shoulder setback, but recovered ahead of the playoffs. On the October stage, Counsell utilized the hard-throwing reliever as a mid-game fireman of sorts. Palencia worked between the third and sixth innings, logging four multi-inning outings and putting up a zero in five of his six postseason appearances.
“No one sitting here a year ago,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said, “would’ve thought he was going to be pitching as a closer last year, pitching huge innings in the middle of the game in the playoffs the way he did. He did an amazing job and I think his maturation was obvious to everyone. We’re super excited about him.”
Palencia is also excited about getting the chance to prove he can continue to lock down the ninth inning for the North Siders.
“I love it,” Palencia said. “From the first moment, always, I knew I was that guy. I know I’m that guy for that situation. So, I just tried to be ready and last year, to be in that situation – the lights and everything – it was awesome for me. That’s where I want to be.”
TAILLON FACES BREGMAN IN LIVE BP
Jameson Taillon took the mound at Sloan Park on Wednesday morning, and a familiar hitter stepped into the box. In a live batting practice session, the Cubs starter went to work against Alex Bregman, who has faced the right-hander plenty over their respective careers.
Taillon, who gave up a homer to Bregman in the session, can take solace that these Spring Training at-bats are now all he has to worry about with Bregman, who has a three-run homer and a .917 OPS in their matchups in the regular season. Bregman joined the Cubs on a five-year, $175 million deal in free agency over the winter.
“It’s exciting. He’s going to be really good for us,” Taillon said. “He’s got a great, simple, quick swing with a lot of power. And obviously the super long track record of success at the highest level against really good competition, and that includes in the playoffs. I think he makes us better in a lot of ways. It’s just exciting to watch him work.”
SPRING BROADCAST SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Marquee Sports Network is planning on broadcasting 11 of the Cubs’ Spring Training games, while 10 will be aired on 104.3 FM The Score.
Games on Marquee: Feb. 20 (vs. White Sox), Feb. 21 (vs. Rangers), March 1 (vs. White Sox), March 2 (at Reds), March 4 (at Brewers), March 8 (vs. Giants), March 15 (vs. Dodgers), March 20 (at A’s), March 21 (at Mariners), March 21 (Spring Breakout vs. Padres), March 22 (vs. Brewers).
Games on The Score: Feb. 20 (vs. White Sox), Feb. 21 (vs. Rangers), March 7 (vs. A’s), March 8 (vs. Giants), March 14 (at Rockies), March 15 (vs. Dodgers), March 17 (vs. Angels), March 21 (at Mariners), March 22 (vs. Brewers), March 23 (vs. Yankees).
THREE PLAYERS DELAYED TO CAMP
Counsell noted that right-hander Javier Assad (Mexico), catcher/DH Moises Ballesteros (Venezuela) and catcher Christian Bethancourt (Panama) have experienced travel delays to Arizona due to visa issues. Those three players were not in camp Wednesday, but were expected to be on site “shortly,” per the manager.