Palencia signed with the Oakland Athletics as an international free agent on February 13, 2020.[1] Palencia did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] He made his professional debut in 2021 with the Single–A Stockton Ports. In 6 starts for Stockton, he struggled to an 0–2 record and 6.91 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 14+1⁄3 innings pitched.[3]
Chicago Cubs
On July 26, 2021, Palencia, along with Greg Deichmann, was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Andrew Chafin.[4] He started his Cubs career pitching for the Single–A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. In 2022, Palencia played for the High–A South Bend Cubs, making 21 appearances (20 starts) and logging a 3.94 ERA with 98 strikeouts across 75+1⁄3 innings pitched.[5]
Palencia began the 2023 season with the Double–A Tennessee Smokies. In 18 games split between Tennessee and the Triple–A Iowa Cubs, he registered a 6.83 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 2 saves in 29.0 innings pitched. On July 4, 2023, Palencia was promoted to the major leagues for the first time, winning his debut in extra innings.[6] In 27 relief outings in his rookie campaign, he logged a 5–3 record and 4.45 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 28+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Palencia was optioned to Triple–A Iowa to begin the 2024 season.[7]
