Cubs, manager Craig Counsell reunite with right-hander Colin Rea
The Cubs continue to add pitching depth, agreeing to terms with veteran right-hander Colin Rea on a one-year deal with a club option for 2026, a source confirmed Friday.
Rea, 34, reunites with manager Craig Counsell, who worked with him in Milwaukee in 2021 and 2023. And Rea rejoins the club that he played for in 2020 when he made his return to the big-leagues. MLB Trade Rumors reported that his contract is worth $5 million.
In his first stint with the Cubs, Rea spent 2019 in Triple-A, still on a long road back to the majors after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2016. Then during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he got his shot. He made nine appearances, including two starts, and recorded a 5.79 ERA.
The Cubs released Rea the following offseason, and he landed with the Brewers but only pitched in one major-league game for them in 2021. So, he headed overseas and revived his career in Japan.
After returning from Nippon Professional Baseball, Rea earned a regular spot in the Brewers rotation for 2023 and 2024, while also making nine relief appearances. He owned a 4.40 ERA across those two seasons.
The Brewers’ rotation has traditionally been their strength, but last year the trade of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles and a rash of injuries staggered the starting pitching group. Rea’s emergence helped stabilize it, as the Brewers built a commanding lead in the National League Central.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is at capacity, so they’ll have to make a corresponding move to officially add Rea.