In his first year with the Cubs, Rea filled a back-of-the-rotation role and posted solid if not spectacular numbers. The veteran righty logged 159.1 innings across 32 appearances (27 starts) while compiling a 3.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 127 strikeouts. Rea also recorded 11 wins, which was one away from the career high he set a year earlier in Milwaukee. The ERA represented a new career best for Rea and it was the first time he ever posted a sub-4.00 figure across seven MLB seasons. The 35-year-old will never be confused for a staff ace, and with a career 7.32 K/9 and 4.46 FIP, his upside moving forward is limited. However, Rea is back with the Cubs in 2026 on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, and he figures to slot in as the team's No. 5 starter, at least until Justin Steele (elbow) is able to return, which could push the former into more of a swing role. Rea looked comfortable in Chicago last year, so he could provide some fantasy value as a streamer in the right matchups. Read Past Outlooks