Colin Rea Returning to Cubs on 1-Year Deal

As noted above by ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Rea has a lot of familiarity with both the Cubs and manager Craig Counsell. Rea pitched in nine games during the abbreviated 2020 season for the Cubs, making two starts as well. With Milwaukee, Rea made more of an impact in 2023 than he did in 2021 under Counsell, pitching to a 4.55 ERA over 22 starts. Rea can be used as both a bullpen arm and a starter. 

In 2024, Rea set career highs in starts (27), appearances (32), innings (167.2), strikeouts (135), and wins (12) with the Milwaukee Brewers. In addition, his 4.29 ERA was his best mark since his rookie season when he only made six appearances. 

For $5 million, Rea is a nice addition to the Cubs' arsenal. If they cannot fill their rotation with a better option, Rea has shown he an be relied on as a back-end starter. However, if a Roki Sasaki or another notable free agent pitcher signs with the Cubs or is acquired via trade, Rea can slide into the bullpen and provide length in a long-relief role. Versatile pitching in an age where pitching depth is more important than ever before is always a valuable resource to any club. 

Notably, if Rea is indeed the Cubs' final starter, joining Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd, then fans will surely be underwhelmed and potentially upset. However, best-case scenario is Rea moves to the pen if another notable name is acquired before the season gets underway.