One of the Chicago Cubs’ most reliable pitchers is coming back for the 2026 season.
The Cubs signed right-hander Colin Rea on Thursday to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with a 2027 club option. The team held a 2026 option on Rea and instead renegotiated terms to add another option on the back end of the contract.
Rea will receive $5.5 million in 2026 plus a $1 million buyout if the Cubs don’t pick up his $7.5 million option for 2027.
Rea, 35, provided needed reliability to a rotation that dealt with injuries throughout the season. His 159 1/3 innings ranked second on the team, and he posted a 3.95 ERA in 32 games (27 starts).
Rea was valuable down the stretch, allowing three runs or fewer in nine of his final 10 outings and recording a 2.63 ERA in September. In two postseason relief appearances, he surrendered one run in six innings.
Veteran corner infielder Justin Turner, in an expected move, will become a free agent and receive a $2 million buyout after his $10 million mutual option was declined.
Turner, 40, hit .219 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 80 games.