Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Colin Rea

How Colin Rea built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Colin Rea is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Prior to joining the Cubs, he played for the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also spent time in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) playing for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Rea's career spans multiple professional baseball leagues, showcasing his experience both in the United States and internationally.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Played Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2010, Colin Rea played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Drafted by San Diego Padres

In 2011, the San Diego Padres selected Colin Rea in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft, and he signed with the Padres. He then made his professional debut in 2011 with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds, posting a 3-4 record and 2.21 ERA in 15 games.

2012: Played for Fort Wayne TinCaps

In 2012, Colin Rea played for the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps, pitching to a 5-10 record and 4.11 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 103.0 innings of work.

2013: Split Year Between Fort Wayne and Lake Elsinore Storm

In 2013, Colin Rea split the year between Fort Wayne and the Advanced Single-A Lake Elsinore Storm, logging a cumulative 2-6 record and 4.08 ERA.

2014: Played for Lake Elsinore Storm

In 2014, Colin Rea played for the Lake Elsinore Storm, recording an 11-9 record and 3.88 ERA with 118 strikeouts in 139.0 innings pitched.

August 11, 2015: Selected to 40-Man Roster and MLB Debut

On August 11, 2015, Colin Rea was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. On the same day, Rea made his major league debut, pitching 5.0 innings of 3-run ball against the Cincinnati Reds.

August 1, 2016: Involved in Transactions Between Padres and Marlins

Just before the MLB trade deadline on August 1, 2016, Colin Rea was involved in transactions between the Padres and Marlins. He was traded along with Andrew Cashner and Tayron Guerrero to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Jarred Cosart, Carter Capps, Josh Naylor, and Luis Castillo on July 29. He was then returned to the Padres on August 1.

2016: Appeared with El Paso Chihuahuas

In 2016, Colin Rea made 1 appearance with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, allowing 1 run in an inning of work.

November 20, 2018: Designated for Assignment by Padres

On November 20, 2018, Colin Rea was designated for assignment by the Padres and was released six days later.

January 7, 2019: Signed Minor League Contract with Chicago Cubs

On January 7, 2019, Colin Rea signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.

November 4, 2019: Contract Selected by Cubs

On November 4, 2019, the Cubs selected Colin Rea's contract to the 40-man roster after he was named 2019 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year.

July 30, 2020: Recalled to Major Leagues by Cubs

On July 30, 2020, Colin Rea was recalled to the Major Leagues by the Chicago Cubs.

January 4, 2021: Released by Cubs

On January 4, 2021, Colin Rea was released by the Chicago Cubs so he could pursue an opportunity in Japan.

January 7, 2021: Signed with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

On January 7, 2021, Colin Rea signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

August 14, 2021: Signed Minor League Contract with Milwaukee Brewers

On August 14, 2021, Colin Rea signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers and was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.

December 19, 2021: Signed Contract to Return to Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

On December 19, 2021, Colin Rea signed a contract to return to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball.

2022: Finished Season with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

In 2022, Colin Rea finished the regular season with 23 appearances for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, with a 5-6 Win-loss record and a 3.96 ERA. He then became a free agent.

January 27, 2023: Signed Minor League Contract with Milwaukee Brewers

On January 27, 2023, Colin Rea signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to begin the year.