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Daniel Palencia 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Great Skills, Named Cubs Closer in 2026
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia had a breakthrough season in 2025. The young righthander claimed the closing job in May and had a fine season: one win, 22 saves, a 2.91 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts in 52 innings. He missed a few weeks in September due to a strained right shoulder. Palencia has the tools to be an elite closer, with a 99.6 MPH velocity on his fastball and a 28.4% K%. He also boasted a miniscule 4.4% barrel rate in 2025. His current ADP over the last two weeks is 124, down from 156 in most of December. It seems drafters feel good about the security of Palencia's hold on the closer job, even through the additions of veterans Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey. However, Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently said that Daniel Palencia is his closer. It is important to keep in mind that manager Craig Counsell could also use him in a stopper role, as he did during the playoffs. There is some risk in the profile based on potential role uncertainty. But this is a high-octane arm who should see continued success and a potential 30-save season if he is the closer. ATC projections are on board with Palencia securing ninth-inning duties and project him to rack up 28 saves in 2026. Palencia is RotoBaller's ranked 18th among relief pitchers and is a value pick at his current NFBC ADP of 143.
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