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. MLB Trade Rumors reported the deal is worth $5 million.
Rea, 34, reunites with manager Craig Counsell, who worked with him in Milwaukee in 2021 and 2023. Rea also rejoins the club that he played for in 2020, when he made his return to the big-leagues.
In his first stint with the Cubs, Rea spent 2019 in Triple-A, still on a long road back to the majors after having Tommy John surgery in 2016. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he got his shot and made nine appearances, including two starts, and had a 5.79 ERA.
The Cubs released Rea the next offseason, and he landed with the Brewers but only pitched in one game in 2021. After a stint with Nippon Professional Baseball, Rea earned a regular spot in the Brewers’ rotation in 2023 and 2024 and also made nine relief appearances, posting a 4.40 ERA.
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.