Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Colin Rea

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2026

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 Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Cubs, Rea played for the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also spent time playing in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, showcasing his talent internationally before returning to MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Played for Hyannis Harbor Hawks

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. He signed with the Padres and made his professional debut that year with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds.

2012: Played for Fort Wayne TinCaps

In 2012, Colin Rea played for the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps, achieving a 5-10 record with a 4.11 ERA.

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 a 3.88 ERA.

August 11, 2015: MLB Debut

On August 11, 2015, Colin Rea was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut for the San Diego Padres, pitching against the Cincinnati Reds.

August 1, 2016: Returned to Padres

On August 1, 2016, Colin Rea was returned to the San Diego Padres after a trade to the Miami Marlins.

2016: Appearance 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 San Diego Padres and was released six days later.

January 7, 2019: Signed with Chicago Cubs organization

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 Chicago Cubs selected Colin Rea's contract to the 40-man roster.

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 with Milwaukee Brewers

On August 14, 2021, Colin Rea signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

December 19, 2021: Returned 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 and a 3.96 ERA for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and became a free agent.

January 27, 2023: Signed with Milwaukee Brewers

On January 27, 2023, Colin Rea signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

November 2, 2023: Re-signed with Milwaukee Brewers

On November 2, 2023, Colin Rea re-signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year contract with a club option for 2025.

November 4, 2024: Brewers declined option

On November 4, 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers declined Colin Rea's option, making him a free agent.

January 13, 2025: Signed with the Chicago Cubs

On January 13, 2025, Colin Rea signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

November 6, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with Cubs

On November 6, 2025, Colin Rea signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract extension with the Chicago Cubs.

2025: Contract Option

In November 2023, Colin Rea re-signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year contract that included a club option for the 2025 season, which was later declined on November 4, 2024.