Cubs Add Experienced Arm to Roster Under Craig Counsell's Guidance

In a move aimed at bolstering their pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a contract with right-hander Colin Rea. As reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the deal is worth $5 million for one year, pending a physical, and has yet to be officially announced by the club. The deal also includes a club option for 2026.

The Cubs have an agreement with righty Colin Rea, a source confirms to ESPN. He pitched for them in 2020. And for Craig Counsell in Milwaukee in 2021 and 2023.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 10, 2025

The Milwaukee Brewers declined Rea’s $5.5 million club option for 2025 in November. However, between his $1 million buyout and new deal with the Cubs, he’ll earn a little more instead of having the option of being picked up. Rea posted a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 32 appearances (27 starts) and a career-high 167 2/3 innings. But his ERA was inflated by a poor finish to the season. Through his first 24 appearances, he posted a 3.52 ERA.

Colin Rea Agrees to Deal with Cubs

By joining the Cubs, Rea will reunite with manager Craig Counsell. Counsell was the manager for the Brewers before joining the division rival a year ago.

Rea isn’t an overpowering pitcher, averaging no higher than 95 mph on his fastball. He can keep hitters off balance with a diverse mix of pitches, including a sinker, cutter, sweeper, splitter and curveball. Rea doesn’t lean on any pitch too much, but his sinker is something else. He achieved neutral splits by limiting left-handers to .257/.308/.465 and right-handers to .258/.315/.429 last year.

For Rea, he will likely be a swingman, much like he was with the Brewers. Chicago signed left-hander Matthew Boyd in early December, adding him to a rotation mix that has Justin Stelle, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad. He will certainly get a chance to compete for a starting spot but could end up as a long-reliever candidate.

After finishing second in the National League Central, the Cubs have acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker while parting ways with Cody Bellinger.