Cubs Spring Training Notebook: Palencia Named Closer, Shaw Embraces Utility Role, and Broadcast Changes Loom
The Chicago Cubs are back in Mesa, and while spring training around the league has already been marred by a handful of surprise injuries, the Cubs are keeping things relatively clean. No unexpected health updates came out of the early pressers with Craig Counsell, Jed Hoyer, and Carter Hawkins. The only lingering issue is the expected placement of left-hander Justin Steele on the 60-day injured list-a move that seems more procedural than alarming at this point.
But for now, the attention isn’t on who’s missing-it’s on who’s ready to go, and how this roster is shaping up heading into 2026.
Daniel Palencia Gets the Nod as Cubs’ Closer
Craig Counsell didn’t waste any time when asked who would get the ball in the ninth inning if the season started tomorrow. His answer? Daniel Palencia.
Simple. Direct. No hesitation.
Palencia’s emergence last season was one of the more intriguing developments in the Cubs’ bullpen. He looked electric for stretches-pounding the zone with high-octane stuff and showing the kind of presence you want in a late-inning arm.
Yes, there were some bumps late in the regular season, but when the Cubs needed outs in October, Counsell didn’t flinch. Palencia was the guy he leaned on in high-leverage spots, regardless of what the inning said on the scoreboard.
And that tells you a lot about how this coaching staff views him.
Now, does that mean the ninth inning is locked down for the long haul? Not necessarily.
Counsell has never been married to the idea of a traditional closer. Matchups matter.
Leverage matters. And there’s still time for someone like Hunter Harvey-if healthy-to push his way into the conversation.
The Cubs could even explore the trade market as the season unfolds.
But as it stands today, Palencia is the one with the ball when it counts.
Matt Shaw’s Role Expands - and He’s Leaning In
One of the more interesting wrinkles to watch this spring is how Matt Shaw fits into the Cubs’ roster puzzle. The expectation is that both Shaw and Nico Hoerner will break camp with the big-league club, but their roles are headed in very different directions.
Hoerner’s spot is secure-he’s the everyday second baseman, a clubhouse tone-setter, and a key piece of this team’s identity.
Shaw? He’s about to wear a lot of hats.
After some initial confusion following the Cubs’ signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw now appears fully on board with the plan. Counsell confirmed that the team sees Shaw as a multi-positional asset, someone who can bounce around the diamond and maybe even see some reps in the outfield.
“I think he heard what he wanted to hear,” Counsell said. “That we are going to play him in multiple positions.”
The Cubs clearly believe in Shaw’s bat. He made noticeable adjustments in the second half of 2025, and the front office sees him as a major league hitter right now. His versatility just adds to his value, especially on a roster that hasn’t had much punch off the bench in recent years.
There was never a need to rush a trade or force a fit. Shaw’s presence gives the Cubs flexibility-not just in 2026, but potentially in a bigger role come 2027.
Marquee Broadcast Schedule Shrinks, Raising Long-Term Questions
If you're planning to catch Cubs spring training action on Marquee Sports Network, make sure you circle the right dates. Only 11 spring games will be televised on the team-owned network this year-a noticeable drop from previous seasons.
It’s a small note on the surface, but it speaks to a bigger conversation happening behind the scenes.
The Cubs’ long-term relationship with Marquee remains something to watch. Whether it’s a future partnership with CHSN or a shift toward MLB’s centralized broadcasting model, the club appears to be exploring its options. The reduced spring schedule is a subtle reminder that change could be coming.
What’s Next
With Steele’s IL move likely around the corner and the core of the roster mostly in place, the spring focus now shifts to sorting out bullpen roles and finalizing the last spot on the bench. The Cubs are entering camp with more clarity than chaos-something that hasn’t always been the case in recent years.
Palencia is penciled in for the ninth. Shaw is ready to roam. And the Cubs, for the first time in a while, look like a team with a plan-and the pieces to execute it.