The Chicago Cubs’ solid performance early in the 2025 season is no accident. Much of the team’s resilience can be traced back to unsung heroes stepping up when it matters most. Among these key contributors is Colin Rea, whose revitalized presence in the rotation has played a crucial role in Chicago’s push for the top of the NL Central.

The Rise of Colin Rea in 2025

After spending previous seasons bouncing between major league roles, Colin Rea found new life on the mound this year. Through the first several weeks, he’s posted a sterling 2.43 ERA over nearly 30 innings pitched. This strong start has made him essential, especially as the Cubs worked through significant injuries to their usual top starters.

What changed for Rea? A major shift in his pitching approach. He’s now using his four-seam fastball more than ever, up to 52.9% of his total pitches from under 20% in previous years. This adjustment came after advice from veteran pitcher Wade Miley, who suggested Rea move to the first-base side of the pitching rubber. By making this change, Rea found that his delivery became more direct and his fastball gained extra life, making it harder for hitters to pick up.

As Rea explained in a recent interview, “I felt like it cleaned up my delivery a little bit. On the third-base side, I had to open up my front shoulder earlier. Now that I’m on the first-base side, my direction is more towards home, and I’m able to stay closed longer.” The resulting deception has been evident in his success so far. For more detail on Rea’s transformation, check out Cubs’ strong start: 3 key, under-the-radar performances - The Athletic.

Key Numbers Behind Rea’s Success

Statistically, Rea’s reliance on his four-seamer has made a tangible difference. His confidence in the pitch is up, and so is its effectiveness against opposing hitters. The Cubs’ coaching staff encouraged him not to shy away from the fastball, whose results have supported their trust. Without these adjustments and Colin Rea’s timely outings, the losses of Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga would have left the rotation much more vulnerable.

In his most recent start, Rea went five innings against San Francisco, battling through adversity and keeping the Cubs in the game. Opposing teams have found it challenging to square up his pitches, with a noticeable increase in fastball "life" and deception at the plate. For further analysis on his role in pivotal matchups, visit Marlins at Cubs prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for May 12 - Yahoo Sports.

How Rea’s Success Impacts the Cubs

Colin Rea’s emergence couldn’t be more timely for a contending Cubs squad. While stars like Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong have stolen headlines, it’s Rea’s reliability that provides stability to the rotation. His presence allows the bullpen to stay rested and reduces pressure on less experienced pitchers. This balance has contributed to the Cubs maintaining their lead atop the division, even as the schedule lightens and opportunities for a winning streak increase.

Of course, the Cubs’ overall strength also rests with their elite outfield, featuring Tucker, Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ. Their performance, paired with Rea’s growth, makes the team a legitimate contender. Read more about the squad’s outfield dominance and overall depth at Chicago Cubs Have the Best Outfield in Major League Baseball - Cubs - North Side Baseball.

Looking Forward

The Cubs’ ability to weather injuries and compete at the highest level speaks volumes about their roster construction and the development of players like Colin Rea. As the season unfolds, continued success from Rea will be vital for the club’s playoff hopes. Fans should keep an eye on how his new pitching mechanics evolve and whether he can sustain this standout performance down the stretch.

Want more in-depth game previews and stats? Don’t miss the expert picks for each day’s matchups and deeper betting trends linked above. Stay tuned for more updates as Colin Rea’s season continues to unfold.