As the Chicago Cubs gear up for another season, all eyes might be on their recent trade for Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera, but there's more to their rotation story. Behind the scenes, the Cubs have been busy shoring up their pitching staff, starting with Shota Imanaga's return via the qualifying offer and adding depth with Vince Velasquez and Kyle Wright at the minor league level. Yet, one of their most strategic moves happened early in the offseason when they extended Colin Rea, a vital piece from their 2025 campaign.
Colin Rea wasn't initially expected to play such a pivotal role. Reunited with manager Craig Counsell, Rea was set to be a swingman.
However, injuries to key starters like Justin Steele and Javier Assad thrust him into the spotlight by mid-April. While he may not have been the ace, his contribution was undeniable.
Over 159 1/3 innings-his second-highest career total-Rea posted a respectable 3.95 ERA with a 4.11 FIP and reached a career-high fastball velocity of 93.9 MPH.
Recognizing his impact, the Cubs secured Rea for another year with a club option for 2027, all for a guaranteed $6.5 million. Although he's not expected to carry the same workload this season, Rea remains a crucial part of the Cubs' pitching strategy. With a full rotation featuring Cabrera, Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd, plus Steele's anticipated return, Rea's versatility is invaluable.
A 162-game season demands more than just five starters, and the Cubs know this well. Steele's return from surgery means he may need time to ramp up, and Horton is still finding his footing in the big leagues.
Cabrera brings potential but also some injury risk. Rea's ability to adapt provides the Cubs with the flexibility to take calculated risks on high-upside arms while ensuring coverage for any gaps.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy emphasized Rea's readiness for any role. "He’s a guy we know can start, and we’re stretching him out to a 65-70 pitch mark at camp,” Hottovy noted.
“But his stuff can also shine in shorter bursts from the pen. Colin can face any lineup once through, and you’re confident he can get outs.”
The Cubs have fine-tuned Rea's pitch mix, increasing his reliance on the four-seamer and refining his splitter into a more competitive pitch. This adaptability makes Rea arguably the most crucial swingman in the league.
Though he didn't spend much time in relief last year, Rea was effective when called upon, allowing just one run in 16 bullpen innings. With the Cubs bolstering their relief corps with veterans like Phil Maton and Hoby Milner, and adding potential with Hunter Harvey, Rea's ability to deliver in multi-inning outings will be key to keeping the staff fresh.
While Rea's contributions might not always make headlines, his role is vital. As the Cubs aim to have their starters in peak form for the postseason, much of their success could hinge on Rea's steady presence.
In today's game, it's less about having five consistent starters and more about ensuring your top arms are ready when it counts. The Cubs understand this, and they're committed to maximizing Rea's potential, no matter his role.