Chicago Cubs’ veteran right-hander was an incredible under-the-radar signing this past offseason

The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation so far this season has already fought through multiple injuries, yet it remains one of the stronger units on their roster. Many believe that the main reason why the Cubs had a fighting chance to make the playoffs in an underwhelming 2024 campaign was because of their starting pitching, with their entire rotation stepping up when needed. The bullpen for last year’s squad was extremely inconsistent, as they have proven to be again so far in 2025. While the offense has seen an uptick in production so far this year, there were many times a season ago where they didn’t come through when it was needed the most.

Chicago getting slammed with injuries to their top two arms early on this season is certainly not ideal. Justin Steele was ruled out for the season in mid-April, which instantly put the organization behind the eight ball in terms of having top-end starters for a playoff push. Matters were made worse when Shota Imanaga was placed on the IL last week with a hamstring strain.

The Cubs rotation has remained strong despite losing Steele and Imanaga. One of their under-the-radar additions in the offseason has proven to be a reliable option after taking Steele’s spot in the starting five last month.

Colin Rea has been an incredible signing for the Chicago Cubs

The Cubs signed Colin Rea to a one-year deal in the winter worth $5 million that includes a $6 million option for the 2026 campaign. The right-hander made on appearance with Milwaukee in 2021 before missing the 2022 season and being a consistent start for Craig Counsell with the Brewers in 2023. Counsell has brought over a few coaches from his days with the Brewers, but Rea is the first player from his tenure in Milwaukee that has joined him in the Windy City.

The veteran’s start on Monday at home against the Marlins spoke volumes to the work that the front office did in finding Rea on the open market this offseason. Dansby Swanson spoke on how Rea has been such a positive addition to this group after Monday night’s victory.

“He’s been huge for us … just a guy that’s a true pro.”

Dansby Swanson tips his cap to Colin Rea pic.twitter.com/5lzfYGeimJ

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 13, 2025

Rea went 6.2 frames on Monday and allowed two runs on six hits. The veteran struck out four and walked two in what was a huge bounce back start after he allowed four earned funs in 5.0 innings against the Giants last week.

The Chicago Cubs will need more help next to Colin Rea

Rea has been fantastic since joining the Cubs rotation when Steele got hurt. The 34-year-old has a 3-0 record in nine appearances this year and has a 2.48 ERA in 36.1 innings pitched. Six of Rea’s nine appearances have been starts, as he began the season in a swing role in the bullpen. Until it’s proven otherwise, Rea should remain in Chicago’s rotation for the long haul this summer.

Even though the current rotation has been stacking wins together, there will need to be another arm of two brought into the fold at the end of the summer. The Cubs should be active at the trade deadline, and arms like Sandy Alcantara and Mitch Keller will be available. Imanaga should return at some point in June, and there is a chance that Javier Assad returns to the staff at some point this year.