One of the biggest questions for the Chicago Cubs heading into the offseason following the 2024 season was who their closer would be in 2025. Porter Hodge seemed to be the front-runner for the job after his strong 2024 season. Hodge finished that season with a 1.88 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts in 43 innings. Then, the Cubs made a trade with the Houston Astros to acquire Ryan Pressly on January 28th. Jed Hoyer had to feel pretty good about the depth of the backend of his bullpen after that.

Pressly was given the first crack at the closer role, but was shaky at best. He was officially removed from consideration for that role after giving up nine runs (eight earned) without recording an out to the San Francisco Giants on May 6th. Hodge got the next save for the Cubs on May 10th, but then turned around and took a loss the next day after giving up three runs to the New York Mets while only getting one out. Hodge threw two scoreless outings after that before going on the injured list.

Daniel Palencia was the next man up. Palencia has always had the stuff to be a closer. His fastball tops out at 102 mph, and he has a wipeout slider. The only question was his command. Could he command those pitches well enough to get it done with the game on the line? So far, the answer has been a resounding yes. After blowing his first save chance against the Miami Marlins on May 19th, and to be fair, there was a ball that Kyle Tucker could have caught in right that would have ended the game, Palencia has been lights out. He is nine for nine in save chances since that Marlins game, striking out 19 batters in 14 1/3 innings.

The Cubs will still be looking for help in the bullpen at the trade deadline, but the closer spot seems to be solidified.