The Chicago Cubs acquired Daniel Palencia four years ago, when no one was sure what he might be.
These days, Palencia is one of the most overpowering closers in all of baseball.
But in 2021, he was a young prospect coming to Chicago with another prospect, outfielder Greg Deichmann, in exchange for Andrew Chafin. The Cubs sent the mustachioed left-hander to the Oakland A's.
Imagine an Athletics bullpen right now with Palencia in the eighth and Mason Miller in the ninth.
Instead, the Cubs are the beneficiaries.
The 25-year-old righty's stats this season are ridiculous.
Palencia has thrown 33.1 innings and struck out 38 batters. He has a 1.62 ERA.
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It's been quite the coming of age. Palencia pitched in the majors the last two seasons but had a combined 5.02 ERA.
Palencia has lowered his walk numbers in a big way this season, and he is also allowing fewer hits. All in all, he's just more dominant.
The Cubs are certainly happy they got him in that speculative trade four years ago.
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