The Chicago Cubs have completed a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Colin Rea valued at $5 million.
The 34-year-old Rea’s contract also includes a salary of $4.25 million for the 2025 season and a $6 million club option for 2026, which comes with a buyout clause of $750,000.
The official announcement regarding this agreement was made by the team on Monday. To clear space for Rea on their 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Michael Arias for assignment.

This signing marks Rea’s return to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, under whom he previously played during the 2020 season.
In that season, Rea had a record of 1-1 and a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Rea had a brief stint with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 and spent the 2022 season playing in Japan.
Upon returning to the Brewers, he had a successful season in 2023, achieving a 12-6 record and a 4.29 ERA in a total of 27 starts and five relief outings that contributed to the team winning the NL Central title.

Counsell, who managed the Brewers for nine years, took over the Cubs’ managerial position in November 2023.
Prior to joining the Cubs, Rea entered free agency when Milwaukee opted not to exercise his $5.5 million club option and compensated him with a $1 million buyout.
Originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2011 draft from Indiana State, Rea made his Major League debut with the Padres in 2015.

In related news, Arias, 23 years old, had a productive season last year with the Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa teams, earning a 6-2 record and a 4.77 ERA in 49 relief appearances.