Colin Rea

Colin Rea's Biography

Colin David Rea, born on July 1, 1990, is a skilled and seasoned professional baseball player from America who has crafted his career in pitching over the years. Known for his exceptional skills and prowess on the field, Rea is currently playing for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB), a renowned and prestigious baseball organization.

Rea started his career in the MLB with the San Diego Padres and has successively played for the Miami Marlins, the Chicago Cubs, and for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. Each of these transitions has marked a significant progression salient in his professional journey.

Born and raised in Cascade, Iowa, Rea attended Cascade High School. Upon graduation, he pursued his college education at the University of Northern Iowa. He later transferred to St. Petersburg College and eventually settled at Indiana State University. His interest and passion for baseball sparked during this period, allowing Rea to play college baseball. In 2010, he further honed his skills playing collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League, a milestone crucial in setting the foundation for his ensuing professional career.

In 2011, as a step forward in his career, Rea was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft. Agreeing to sign with the Padres, Rea made his transformative professional debut in 2011 with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds. Presenting a remarkable performance, he showcased a 3-4 record and a 2.21 ERA in 15 games.

Throughout the years, Rea demonstrated consistent improvement and growth, amassing praiseworthy achievements to his name. In 2015, he started the season with the Double-A San Antonio Missions, contributing a splendid 1.08 ERA in 12 games with the team. His first promotion to the major leagues came forth the same year, marking a commendable milestone in his career. Later in 2016, Rea was traded to the Miami Marlins. However, a sudden turn of events led him back to the Padres due to an injury.

Despite the turbulent times in his career owing to his torn ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in 2016, Rea demonstrated unwavering resolve and dedication. Upon his recovery, he resumed his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2019, where he was awarded the 2019 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year. In 2020, Rea was recalled to the Major Leagues by the Cubs, showcasing commendable performance throughout the season.

Beyond his journey in MLB, Rea signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in early 2021. His stay in Japan was short-lived due to personal reasons but, acknowledging his potential and talent, the Hawks re-signed him in December.

Returning to America, Rea signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2023. Assigned initially to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, he was later selected for a spot start against the San Diego Padres, where he shone brilliantly. By the end of the season, Rea had 26 appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers, of which 22 were starts, and posted a 4.55 ERA.

In early November, Rea re-signed a one-year contract with the Brewers with a club option for 2025. Colin Rea, with his excellent dedication and unyielding determination, continues to inspire upcoming players while marking new milestones in his illustrious career.