logo
Relievers Daniel Palencia, Brad Keller open Cubs' eyes in Cactus League opener

Relievers Daniel Palencia, Brad Keller open Cubs' eyes in Cactus League opener

New York Times21-02-2025
MESA, Ariz. — Early in camp, the Chicago Cubs' bullpen looks as deep and talented as it has been in years. There are several veterans without options locked in, but there will be some battles for the final few spots.
In Thursday's Cactus League opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, two pitchers, Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia, opened some eyes with their performances, though neither is likely to make the team out of the spring. Palencia has options and is likely to be yo-yoed between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago throughout the season. Keller is being stretched out as a starter, and it doesn't appear a rotation spot is within reach for him.
Advertisement
Still, the two looked strong Thursday, combining for 2 2/3 scoreless innings with no runs allowed while striking out three total batters.
Eight of Palencia's 16 pitches came in at triple digits, and he topped out at 101.3 mph. Palencia wasn't surprised he was touching that velocity consistently this early in the spring as he pitched 12 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Daniel Palencia, 101.3 mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/JOq2zjfC9T
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 20, 2025
His manager, Craig Counsell, wasn't surprised either.
'That's what he throws,' Counsell said. 'That's an average velocity day for him.'
Velocity has never really been a concern for Palencia. The 25-year-old, acquired from the Athletics in the summer of 2021 for reliever Andrew Chafin, has always had the stuff to impress. It's the results that have been inconsistent.
Last season, Palencia battled injuries and wasn't effective when he was on the field. The righty posted a 6.14 ERA in 14 2/3 big-league innings, striking out just 23.2 percent of batters while walking 17.4 percent.
A diet change and more consistent workout regimen helped Palencia this winter. But he said the biggest change was his mindset. Last summer, coming to the ballpark was a drain for him as he put too much pressure on himself and struggled to have fun playing the game he loves. This year he believes a changed perspective will help lead to better results.
'Daniel was a guy last year, and very well could be this year, on the option crew,' Counsell said. 'How you handle that is important. We can talk about it and be very direct about it, but you have to learn how to go through it. You gotta figure out how to not add that stress to something you can't control. In Daniel's case, it took him a while to learn how to do it. That's ok. Now, hopefully, he's in a better place to learn how to deal with that.'
Advertisement
Palencia is a part of a group of young relievers — along with Jack Neely and Luke Little — with impressive stuff who could really take the bullpen to another level if things click. Porter Hodge is the example they can look to as to the type of trust that's quickly earned when a young pitcher does his job and gets outs on a regular basis.
With Keller, it's a very different situation. The veteran has an opt-out at the end of camp but is seen as having a lot of potential by Cubs staff members. After averaging 93.8 mph with his four-seam fastball last summer, Keller averaged 96.3 mph in his first spring outing, topping out at 97.9 mph.
Counsell said what Keller did was 'a little more than we expected,' and even Keller was a little taken aback by his performance.
Brad Keller with his second strikeout. 97mph again pic.twitter.com/3xP9XxioXi
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) February 20, 2025
'I've thrown that hard in the past before,' Keller said. 'I've touched 98, even 99 before. To be 100 percent honest, I was kind of surprised coming out of the game when they told me what my velo was.'
Towards the end of last season in Boston and this offseason at Maven Baseball Lab in Atlanta, Keller corrected some mechanical flaws that have helped him unleash another level with his velocity.
'One (drill) that has really helped out is the Kikuchi drill, where you go up on your back leg and sit down on the back leg before you go forward,' Keller said. 'A cue I tell myself is drop my belt buckle before I go down. It's a way to engage my back leg. Because as I go down the mound, I don't get on my back leg, I drift and spin out of things.'
So is Keller going to be built up as a starter or does a short-burst performance like Thursday's 1 2/3 innings change the way they think about him?
'When you see that — that's the right question,' Counsell said. 'I had that thought, for sure. But I think taking the longer view — this is a pitcher who had big success in the league at a younger age. I always take note of that. It's in there. That's the guy we want.'
Advertisement
From 2018-2020, Keller tossed 360 1/3 innings of 3.50 ERA ball, with 57 of his 78 outings coming as a starter. Rotation depth is always important and Keller could add to it. But if this type of velocity along with the development of a sweeper he's fine-tuning this spring continues, perhaps at some point in the season he becomes a relief option.
These are decisions that don't need to be made now. Neither Keller nor Palencia are likely to be a part of the roster that leaves for Japan in three weeks. But that doesn't mean they won't positively impact the 2025 Cubs.
A bullpen that performs well for a full season almost always has a few surprises. Whether it's Keller, Palencia or another name not on the radar, the Cubs will need pitchers who nobody expects to be key pieces to step up this summer.
(Photo of Daniel Palencia: Michael Owens / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cubs Predicted To Land Cy Young Runner Up From Royals At Deadline
Cubs Predicted To Land Cy Young Runner Up From Royals At Deadline

Newsweek

timean hour ago

  • Newsweek

Cubs Predicted To Land Cy Young Runner Up From Royals At Deadline

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Chicago Cubs have been passed up by the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead, and that's due to the Brewers' superior pitching staff. With the Cubs perceived to be active for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, David Schoenfield of ESPN thinks that Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo is a smart target for the Cubs. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 23: Seth Lugo #67 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on July 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 23: Seth Lugo #67 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on July 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo byLugo is headed for free agency at the end of the season and has continued his success from last season for the Royals. Entering Friday, Lugo had a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts this season, and would fit in with Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, giving the Cubs a strong three-man to roll out for the playoffs. The Cubs' season has been powered by their high-octane offense that ranks No. 2 in baseball in runs scored, but outside of Boyd and Imanaga, the starting pitching has struggled to be consistent. Cubs starters as a group are just outside of the top 10 in ERA and have been the weak point that opposing teams have taken advantage of this season. The Royals are just outside of a playoff spot, but have seen little improvement from their offense this season, and would need to have a strong stretch to control their destiny this season. The Royals are looking to get some controllable hitters in return this offseason as they have a strong core but are missing the final pieces. If the Cubs do not choose to trade for a controllable starting pitcher, then a deal for Seth Lugo with the Royals could be the route that they choose. More MLB: Cardinals General Manager Keeping Decision 'Fluid' With Time Running Out

This Cubs Prospect May Have Made Himself Untouchable
This Cubs Prospect May Have Made Himself Untouchable

Newsweek

timean hour ago

  • Newsweek

This Cubs Prospect May Have Made Himself Untouchable

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chicago Cubs team president Jed Hoyer made it known that no prospect is untouchable in any potential deal that he decides to make prior to the trade deadline. A recent surge from the top prospect in Chicago's organization may have altered Hoyer's plans just a bit. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 12: Owen Caissie #17 of the Chicago Cubs poses for a photo prior to the MLB Future's Game at Truist Park on July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 12: Owen Caissie #17 of the Chicago Cubs poses for a photo prior to the MLB Future's Game at Truist Park on July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Matt Dirksen/Outfielder Owen Caissie was promoted to the top prospect in the Cubs organization after the graduation of third baseman Matt Shaw from the prospect list. Caissie was a second-round selection by the San Diego Padres in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was part of the return package to Chicago that helped San Diego acquire right-hander Yu Darvish prior to the 2021 season. He has since been an extremely solid minor league player, but this year might be the best of Caissie's young career. Caissie has a .278 average with 20 home runs, 23 doubles, 46 RBIs and a .948 OPS in 79 games played this season. He is rightfully the top prospect in the Cubs system and may very well be playing his way into "untouchable" status. OWEN CAISSIE HAS 8 HOME RUNS IN 12 GAMES THIS MONTH 🤯 — Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) July 22, 2025 Not only should Caissie's performance this season make him untouchable, but Chicago's outfield situation should play a key role in the decision. The Cubs currently have just one outfielder under contract through the end of next season and that is centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Right fielder Kyle Tucker is set to be a free agent after this season and both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are scheduled to hit free agency at the end of next season. The chances of re-signing Tucker feel slim, meaning Chicago will have to retain both Happ and Suzuki or pick between the two and allow the other to walk in free agency. Those scenarios alone are enough for the front office to hang onto Caissie and give him an easy path to make his MLB debut at some point next season. Another interesting note regarding Caissie's status is this recent update on the Cubs' deadline plans from MLB insider Mike Rodriguez. According to sources close to the organization, the Chicago Cubs have decided not to hold on to any of their promises in the minor league system. The front office is ready to consider offers for any young player, including top prospects such as Moisés Ballestero, Jefferson Rojas,… — Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) July 25, 2025 He mentions that Chicago is willing to trade any of its top prospects, but Caissie is nowhere to be found on the list, making it likely that he will be retained and part of the future plans for the organization. More MLB: Cubs Third Baseman Making Trade Deadline Decisions Difficult

Will Smith Player Props: July 25, Dodgers vs. Red Sox
Will Smith Player Props: July 25, Dodgers vs. Red Sox

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

Will Smith Player Props: July 25, Dodgers vs. Red Sox

Will Smith was hitless in his last game (0 for 1), but will have another crack at it when the Los Angeles Dodgers face Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET on NESN and SportsNet LA. Find odds, stats, and more below to make your Will Smith player prop bets. Smith has accumulated a team-high batting average of .323. He has hit 14 home runs and totaled 48 RBI. Watch tonight's Dodgers game on Fubo! Will Smith Prop Bets and Odds How to Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox Will Smith vs. Brayan Bello Will Smith prop bet insights MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 1:24 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Will Smith stats against the Red Sox Red Sox starter: Brayan Bello

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store