Daniel Palencia Challenges PCA Before WBC Final: “I’m Coming After You”

Chicago fans will be glued to Tuesday night’s World Baseball Classic final. Team USA meets Team Venezuela in the title game, and Cubs supporters will watch Venezuela’s closer Daniel Palencia closely.

Palencia’s form heading into the final

Palencia closed the semifinal against Italy on March 16, 2026. The outing came at loanDepot Park in Miami. He threw a scoreless ninth and struck out the final two batters.

In WBC play he has delivered four shutdown innings with seven strikeouts. In Cactus League action he logged three scoreless innings and three strikeouts. He has not surrendered a run this spring.

What he says is working

Palencia credits better fastball location for his recent run. He also leaned more on his splitter and slider to set up the fastball. Those adjustments have translated to consistent results.

When asked about facing teammates, he relished the challenge. He told Pete Crow-Armstrong, known as PCA, in spring camp, “I’m coming after you.” He said something similar to Seiya Suzuki.

Background and Cubs context

Palencia broke through during the 2025 season after a mid-April call-up from Triple-A Iowa. The move followed an injury to Justin Steele. He captured the closer role and became a fan favorite at Wrigley.

Through July of 2025 he posted a 1.40 ERA. The last two months were difficult. He recorded a 7.07 ERA across 17 outings and landed on the injured list after the first week of September.

In the playoffs manager Craig Counsell used him in mid-game spots rather than as the closer. Early this spring Counsell announced Palencia as the Cubs’ closer. Palencia said he told Counsell he would be ready whenever called upon.

Final thoughts and matchup intrigue

The WBC final presents a unique subplot for Cubs fans. They will watch Palencia, PCA, and Alex Bregman with extra interest. Filmogaz.com will follow the game and provide postgame coverage and analysis.