Daniel Palencia had a breakout 2025 campaign before the World Baseball Classic, showcasing his skills as a formidable pitcher. During the tournament, he recorded three saves for Venezuela, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Palencia’s performance included a clean ninth inning against Italy, which helped secure Venezuela’s first World Baseball Classic appearance. He also closed out Venezuela’s win over the United States, further establishing his reputation on the international stage.
In total, Palencia did not allow a hit in five appearances during the World Baseball Classic, logging five scoreless innings and striking out nine batters. His fastball velocity averaged an impressive 98.1 mph against the U.S., with even higher readings of 99.3 mph against Italy and 98.8 mph against Japan.
Throughout the tournament, Palencia threw a total of 39 pitches across three games, including 30 fastballs, seven sliders, and two splitters. His ability to maintain control with such velocity is a testament to his training, as he noted, “With that fastball, it is not easy to have good control, but I train that with my coaches in Venezuela.”
Palencia’s success in the World Baseball Classic follows a strong 2025 season with the Cubs, where he recorded a 2.91 ERA, 22 saves, and 61 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. His performance has led to his appointment as the Cubs’ closer heading into the 2026 season.
Omar López, the Venezuelan team manager, remarked on the challenges of managing pitchers during the tournament, stating, “I woke this morning, three text messages from different organizations trying not to pitch guys back to back.” This highlights the strategic considerations teams must navigate during such high-stakes competitions.
Mark DeRosa, a former player and analyst, expressed his admiration for Palencia’s abilities, saying, “Honoring the Padres.” This reflects the respect Palencia has garnered from his peers.
As observers look ahead, Palencia’s trajectory in professional baseball appears promising, with expectations for him to continue his development and impact in the upcoming season.
