The Chicago Cubs are loaded with talent. Although they might not lead the National League Central due to the Milwaukee Brewers’ incredibly hot stretch, Chicago is still one of the more dangerous teams in baseball.
The Cubs have seen some impressive breakout performances from multiple different star players this year.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently listed Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia as one of the most improved players of the season. Palencia has really turned heads in the place of Ryan Pressly.
“The Cubs opened the season expecting some combination of incumbent Porter Hodge and newcomer Ryan Pressly to handle the closer’s role in a revamped bullpen, but it’s hard-throwing Daniel Palencia who has settled into the ninth-inning job,” Reuter wrote. “After posting a 1.20 ERA with three holds in 13 appearances, he got his first save opportunity on May 19 and promptly coughed up a 7-6 lead when he allowed two hits, one walk, and two earned runs.
“Despite that initial stumble, manager Craig Counsell turned to him again two days later, and he slammed the door with a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the year. Since that point, he has converted 16 of 17 save chances with a 1.61 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 9.6 K/9 in 28 appearances.”
Palencia was below-average during his first two years in the big leagues, but this season, he’s been one of the better young relievers in the NL.
He holds an ERA below 2.00 with over 40 appearances and 16 saves for the Cubs. With Pressly struggling as much as he has, the Cubs needed a consistent arm at the backend of games, and that’s been Palencia. If they make a deep postseason run, Palencia is going to deserve a lot of praise.
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