Rea, 34, reunites with manager Craig Counsell, who worked with him in Milwaukee in 2021 and 2023. Rea also rejoins the club that he played for in 2020, when he made his return to the big-leagues.

Since Craig Counsell was hired as the manager of the Chicago Cubs, there have been constant rumors and speculation surrounding him reuniting with some of his pr

The move reunited Colin Rea with Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Rea also pitched for the Cubs during the 2020 season, going 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.

In order to make right-hander Colin Rea’s signing official Monday, the Cubs designated pitching prospect Michael Arias for assignment. Rea’s one-year deal is worth $5 million, a source confirmed, and it includes a club option for 2026.

The Brewers could have retained Rea for 2025 via a modest $5.5MM club option, but they somewhat surprisingly put him on waivers to see if any other club wanted him at that price point. No team ended up claiming him,