Colin Rea Goes Unclaimed Through Waivers, Becomes Free Agent as Brewers Decline Option

[Ryan Pollak]

After clearing revocable waivers, the journeyman-turned-mid-rotation starter is back to being a journeyman. He will become a free agent. 

Image courtesy of © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

On Saturday, the Brewers placed right-handed pitcher Colin Rea on waivers allowing the 29 other teams to claim and assume responsibility for his $5.5-million 2025 option. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Rea cleared waivers prior to the 4 P.M. CT option deadline on Monday.

The organization placed Rea on waivers in an attempt to save $1 million. If a team would've claimed him off waivers, that organization would've covered the entire $5.5 million. The Brewers had to make the final decision on his club option, instead, and will pay a $1-million buyout, making the pitcher an unrestricted free agent. The transaction saves the team $4.5 million that can be used elsewhere in the organization if they please.

Rea was an integral part of the organization during the 2024 season. He collected the most wins as a starting pitcher, ending the season with a 12-6 record, a 4.29 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts. While he remained in the rotation until mid-September, he faltered badly down the stretch, and became a non-factor when the team built its pitching plan for the Wild Card Series early last month.

Barring a trade or any transaction, the Brewers will now have to rely on the talents of Freddy Peralta, Tobias Myers, Aaron Civale, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall and other potential prospects to fill out the rotation.

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[Jim Goulart]