The Chicago Cubs have finalized a one-year contract valued at $5 million with pitcher Colin Rea, marking a reunion between him and manager Craig Counsell. This information was confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations who requested anonymity, as the team had yet to officially announce the agreement.

Colin Rea, who is 34 years old, has had an interesting career path. He made a brief appearance with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 before spending the 2022 season in Japan. Upon returning to the Brewers, he had a successful campaign in 2023, recording a 12-6 win-loss record and maintaining a 4.29 earned run average (ERA) over 27 starts along with five outings in relief for the National League Central champions.

Counsell, who spent nearly a decade managing the Brewers before moving to the Cubs in November 2023, now has another flexible option for his pitching lineup with Rea’s signing. The Cubs currently have established pitchers including Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd as part of their starting rotation. Rea could either compete with Javier Assad for the fifth spot in the rotation or provide depth as a reliever.

Rea entered free agency when the Brewers opted not to exercise his $5.5 million club option in November and instead paid him a $1 million buyout. Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Indiana State University, Rea made his Major League Baseball debut with the Padres in 2015.

During his brief stint with the Cubs in the 2020 season, he posted a 1-1 record alongside a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, which included two as a starter. This renewed contract with the Cubs offers him an exciting opportunity to work under a familiar manager once again.