Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

Cubs could give Daniel Palencia fireballing friend at trade deadline — at a steep cost

Daniel Palencia has emerged as one of the better closers in baseball this season, rocking a triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider to a 1.57 ERA and 12 saves.

His performance has been crucial in a bullpen that's dealt with underperformance from and injuries to its original closers, Ryan Pressly and Porter Hodge. With Brad Keller now joining the ranks of struggling Cubs relievers, it's clear that the team will need to bring in at least one high-leverage arm by July 31.

Plenty of such options will be available at the trade deadline, including the Twins' Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, Felix Bautista of the Orioles, and Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals.