Chicago Cubs release starting pitcher Colin Rea

Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune
·1 min read
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The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitching depth options thinned late Monday night when they released Colin Rea.

Rea, 30, was projected to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Kyle Hendricks, Zach Davies, Alec Mills and Adbert Alzolay. The release allows Rea, who was 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in nine games (two starts), to pursue more lucrative opportunities in the Far East, according to a source.

Rea was scheduled to earn $702,500 in 2021.

Rea is 8-8 with a 4.79 ERA in 35 games over parts of three seasons (2015-16, 2020) with the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and Cubs. Rea was 14-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 26 games for the Cubs’ Triple-A Iowa affiliate in 2019.