The one Cubs offseason rumor fans wish came true, but didn't

It's hard to take issue with the Chicago Cubs' offseason. Jed Hoyer and Co. spent nearly $30 million reconstructing their bullpen, traded for high-upside starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, and signed Alex Bregman as the big-ticket addition of the offseason. Those moves have put the Cubs in a position to be a legitimate contender in the National League this season, but it feels like there may have been a move left on the table.

As the Cubs were rebuilding their bullpen, it seemed clear that they were seeking an established closer. They flirted with Ryan Helsley, had interest in Devin Williams before his price tag moved past their comfort zone, and were also linked to former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks.

It seemed clear that the Cubs wanted to avoid playing the matchup game that they played at the end of games to close out the 2025 season. Despite that intent, the Cubs are moving forward with Daniel Palencia being their closer on Opening Day.

While there are reasons to believe Daniel Palencia could be the breakout closer, the Cubs may regret their choice at the trade deadline.

For a large portion of the 2025 season, Palencia appeared to be on track toward cementing his footing at the backend of the Cubs' bullpen. Palencia posted a 2.91 ERA while striking out over 28% of the hitters he faced last season.

The problem is that Palencia's second half in 2025 led to Craig Counsell shifting things around in the bullpen. The 26-year-old posted an ERA of 5.23 last August, and followed that up with a mark of 12.27 in September. Those struggles were likely the reason why the Cubs didn't rule out adding an established closer this offseason.

Of course, behind the Cubs' decision to anoint Palencia their closer entering the 2026 is the fact that he re-emerged as the go-to reliever for Craig Counsell during the postseason last year.

Knowing how Hoyer operates, at least under Theo Epstein, it would seem that if the Cubs are a legitimate contender in July, the front office won't leave anything up to chance. Meaning, if Palencia shows even the slightest sign of volatility, the Cubs will look to the trade market to add a closer. Considering the cost such a trade may require, the Cubs may regret not adding someone like Williams or Helsley during the winter.