Cubs BCB After Dark: Should the Cubs pick up Colin Rea’s option?

Writer Josh Timmers evaluates whether the Chicago Cubs should exercise their 2027 contract option on veteran pitcher Colin Rea. The team holds a $7.5 million club option on Rea that carries a $1 million buyout, effectively meaning it would cost Chicago $6.5 million to retain his services for the upcoming season. Timmers invites readers to debate the decision based on the pitcher's value and financial cost.

Timmers argues that while Rea served as a dependable innings eater, his underlying performance metrics present concerns heading into his age-36 campaign. During the 2026 season, Rea posted an 8-8 record with a 4.34 ERA and 0.4 WAR across 137 innings. However, Timmers notes his 5.35 expected ERA and 4.80 FIP suggest the Cubs might easily replicate his production at a lower price.