"Relief pitcher Daniel Palencia will pitch for Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his agency announced Tuesday. Palencia had an interesting year with the Cubs. He recorded 22 saves during the regular season, but his usage changed drastically in the playoffs. Instead of remaining in the bullpen until the ninth inning, Craig Counsell used him earlier in games."
"Craig Counsell used him earlier in games. Palencia did not take the mound later than the seventh inning, which is unusual for a closer. This usage will be interesting to monitor in 2026, as the Cubs have several pitchers who could compete for the closing role. Palencia is the fourth player on the Cubs to announce their commitment for the upcoming WBC, joining Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon."
Daniel Palencia will pitch for Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his agency announced. He recorded 22 saves during the regular season for the Chicago Cubs. Manager Craig Counsell shifted Palencia's playoff role by using him earlier in games instead of reserving him for ninth-inning appearances. Palencia did not pitch later than the seventh inning in the playoffs, which departs from typical closer usage. That role change could affect the Cubs' bullpen decisions in 2026, as several pitchers could compete for the closing job. Palencia is the fourth Cubs player confirmed for the WBC, joining Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon.
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