The Chicago Cubs bullpen has been performing admirably, with six of their nine primary relievers boasting an ERA of 3.00 or lower, showcasing strong performances from revitalized veterans. Daniel Palencia, the standout closer, has a remarkable 1.43 ERA and 14 saves this season, proving crucial in tight games. However, the Cubs are eyeing potential upgrades before the trade deadline, seeking to bolster their bullpen.

Among the targets, Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves stands out despite an underwhelming season, as he has a track record of clutch performances. Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays, with a solid 2.84 ERA, could also be a strategic fit due to his groundball-inducing capabilities. The Cubs may also pursue Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, who combines a fastball reaching triple digits with effective secondary pitches, though his price may be steep due to team control through 2027.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers need to stay vigilant and monitor bullpen changes that could affect saves. This week, the Arizona Diamondbacks' closing situation is in disarray due to injuries. Kevin Ginkel, despite his high ERA, is a potential option, while rookie Kyle Backhus might see opportunities. The Miami Marlins' Ronny Henriquez has emerged as a strong candidate for saves, boasting impressive strikeout numbers and no earned runs in July.

In Texas, the Rangers' bullpen remains inconsistent, with options like Luke Jackson and Chris Martin struggling. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs' Daniel Palencia is a must-add with a stellar first half. The Philadelphia Phillies may shake up their bullpen if they acquire a new closer, impacting Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering's value. Monitoring these situations closely will be vital for securing saves in the second half of the season.

Daniel Palencia has evolved into one of the most formidable closers in Major League Baseball since the Chicago Cubs acquired him four years ago. With a staggering 1.62 ERA over 33.1 innings this season and 38 strikeouts, he's showcasing his true potential after struggling with a 5.02 ERA during his first two seasons in the majors. His improvement can be attributed to a significant reduction in walks and hits allowed, making him a key asset in the Cubs' bullpen.

The Cubs benefitted from this transformation after trading Andrew Chafin to the Oakland Athletics, receiving Palencia along with prospect Greg Deichmann. Imagine how the Athletics' bullpen could look with Palencia's strikeout ability paired with Mason Miller's closing potential. Instead, the Cubs are reaping the rewards of their foresight in securing Palencia, who is now establishing himself as a reliable option in high-pressure situations.

The second half of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be exciting, with a host of players poised to break out. Key names like Ben Rice, Otto Lopez, and Addison Barger have underperformed but are primed for a resurgence.

Rice's strong Statcast numbers indicate he could become a must-start catcher for the Yankees. Lopez, despite injury setbacks, showcases promising metrics pointing towards a potential 20/20 season. Barger, meanwhile, has shown flashes of his power, suggesting a strong finish behind elite sluggers. Adolis Garcia, though sluggish early, is a buy-low option with significant power upside. Pitchers like Eury Perez, despite recent struggles, are also expected to shine, especially if they regain their form. Likewise, Daniel Palencia has emerged as a closer with top-5 potential, making him a hot waiver wire target.

The Chicago Cubs are currently one of the top contenders in MLB, holding a 49-34 record and leading the NL Central by two games. Their offense has been particularly potent, ranking third in the league according to FanGraphs. Despite strong performances from pitchers like Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, the Cubs are eyeing a bullpen upgrade, especially in the closer role, now that Shota Imanaga has returned.

Historically, acquiring a stellar closer has proven pivotal for playoff success, as seen with their trade for Aroldis Chapman in 2016. The Cubs have been leveraging Daniel Palencia’s impressive 1.86 ERA to maintain their lead, but the question remains—will they seek out a more experienced option? Potential targets include Felix Bautista of the Orioles and Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals, which could significantly bolster their postseason chances.