JUST IN : Cubs finalize $5 million, 1-year contract with right-hander

The Chicago Cubs have finalized a one-year, $5 million contract with right-hander Colin Rea. The deal includes a $4.25 million salary for 2025 and a $6 million club option for 2026, with a $750,000 buyout.

The team announced the signing on Monday, designating right-hander Michael Arias for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster. The move reunites Rea with Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who previously managed Rea during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rea also pitched for the Cubs in the 2020 season, posting a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.

The 34-year-old Rea spent 2022 pitching in Japan before returning to Milwaukee, where he went 12-6 with a 4.29 ERA across 27 starts and five relief appearances in 2023, helping the Brewers win the NL Central title. However, Milwaukee declined its $5.5 million club option on Rea in November, opting instead for a $1 million buyout, making him a free agent.

Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Indiana State, Rea debuted in the majors with the Padres in 2015. His signing brings him back to the Cubs as they strengthen their pitching depth under Counsell, who joined Chicago as manager in November 2023 after nine years with Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, Arias, 23, pitched for Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa last year, recording a 6-2 record with a 4.77 ERA in 49 relief appearances.

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