The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 campaign with high hopes for their bullpen, but the workload has fallen heavily on a single arm.
Daniel Palencia, the team's primary closer, has been limited to fewer than 20 innings this year, a stark contrast to the expectations placed on him after a strong debut.
His fastball, once capable of touching 101 miles per hour on nearly 15 percent of pitches, has slipped to a half‑tick lower and now reaches that velocity only about eight percent of the time.
The pitch’s movement has also been compromised; the ball lacks the horizontal run that once made it difficult for hitters to square up, and the spin that generated backspin has been reduced.
Compounding the mechanical issues is a subtle increase in his arm slot, which has risen from roughly 35 degrees to 37 degrees, further diminishing the pitch’s effectiveness.
Adding to the concern are lingering shoulder and forearm strains that have kept the reliever sidelined for extended periods, with a full return not expected until 2027.
The cumulative effect has been a patchwork bullpen, forcing the Cubs to lean on less‑experienced relievers for the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead
While the organization remains hopeful that Palencia can regain his former dominance, the immediate focus is on preserving health and developing depth in the relief corps.