Daniel Palencia

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #14 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Palencia signed with the Athletics for just $10,000 at age 20, ancient by international signing standards, and made only six appearances in Oakland's system before the A's traded him to the Cubs for reliever Andrew Chafin at the 2021 trade deadline. Palencia struggled with his control early at High-A South Bend in 2022, but he harnessed his stuff to become one of the system's breakthrough pitchers in the second half. He capped his season with five scoreless innings, no walks and eight strikeouts in the decisive game of the Midwest League semifinals.
  
  Scouting Report: Palencia's arm strength is unmatched in the Cubs system. Though he's short, he has a strong, powerful build and generates triple-digit fastballs with ease. His fastball sits 98-99 mph and routinely reaches 101-102 with explosive late life up in the zone. He leans on his fastball heavily, but he also has a low-90s vertical, power slider that has become a plus pitch he can land for strikes or get chase swings with. His firm, upper-80s changeup is an average third pitch. Palencia is a good athlete for his size, but he has struggled with a series of minor injuries--including foot and oblique injuries in 2022--and has below-average command and control, especially of his secondaries. He rarely completes five innings and is best in short bursts.
  
  The Future: Palencia projects to be a high-leverage reliever in the majors, although the Cubs will continue starting him for now. He'll head to Double-A in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 80. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 40

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Palencia signed with the Athletics for just $10,000 at age 20, ancient by international signing standards, and made only six appearances in Oakland's system before the A's traded him to the Cubs for reliever Andrew Chafin at the 2021 trade deadline. Palencia struggled with his control early at High-A South Bend in 2022, but he harnessed his stuff to become one of the system's breakthrough pitchers in the second half. He capped his season with five scoreless innings, no walks and eight strikeouts in the decisive game of the Midwest League semifinals.
  
  Scouting Report: Palencia's arm strength is unmatched in the Cubs system. Though he's short, he has a strong, powerful build and generates triple-digit fastballs with ease. His fastball sits 98-99 mph and routinely reaches 101-102 with explosive late life up in the zone. He leans on his fastball heavily, but he also has a low-90s vertical, power slider that has become a plus pitch he can land for strikes or get chase swings with. His firm, upper-80s changeup is an average third pitch. Palencia is a good athlete for his size, but he has struggled with a series of minor injuries--including foot and oblique injuries in 2022--and has below-average command and control, especially of his secondaries. He rarely completes five innings and is best in short bursts.
  
  The Future: Palencia projects to be a high-leverage reliever in the majors, although the Cubs will continue starting him for now. He'll head to Double-A in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 80. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 40
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Palencia signed with the Athletics for just $10,000 at age 20, ancient by international signing standards, and made only six appearances in Oakland's system before the A's traded him to the Cubs for reliever Andrew Chafin at the 2021 trade deadline. Palencia struggled with his control early at High-A South Bend in 2022, but he harnessed his stuff to become one of the system's breakthrough pitchers in the second half. He capped his season with five scoreless innings, no walks and eight strikeouts in the decisive game of the Midwest League semifinals.
  
  Scouting Report: Palencia's arm strength is unmatched in the Cubs system. Though he's short, he has a strong, powerful build and generates triple-digit fastballs with ease. His fastball sits 98-99 mph and routinely reaches 101-102 with explosive late life up in the zone. He leans on his fastball heavily, but he also has a low-90s vertical, power slider that has become a plus pitch he can land for strikes or get chase swings with. His firm, upper-80s changeup is an average third pitch. Palencia is a good athlete for his size, but he has struggled with a series of minor injuries--including foot and oblique injuries in 2022--and has below-average command and control, especially of his secondaries. He rarely completes five innings and is best in short bursts.
  
  The Future: Palencia projects to be a high-leverage reliever in the majors, although the Cubs will continue starting him for now. He'll head to Double-A in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 80. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 40
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 40/High
  
  Midseason Update: Acquired from the A&#39s as part of the deal for Andrew Chafin last year, Palencia has shown some of the best arm strength in the Cubs system. His fastball sits at 100 mph and touches 102 as a starter and his slider flashes plus, although it&#39s inconsistent. Palencia&#39s command and control are both below-average and his future is in the bullpen, but he has a chance to pitch in high-leverage situations with explosive stuff.