Daniel Palencia to Play For Team Venezuela in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Relief pitcher Daniel Palencia will pitch for Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his agency announced Tuesday.
#Cubs closer Daniel Palencia will play for Team Venezuela (@TeamBeisbolVe) in the upcoming World Baseball Classic @WBCBaseball 🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/DFdXBrjW0D
— Ballengee Group (@BallengeeGroup) January 21, 2026
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. 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.
