The Cubs have declined a $7.5 million contract option on pitcher Colin Rea for next season, sources said.

CHICAGO -- TheCubshave declined a $7.5 million contract option on pitcherColin Reafor next season, sources said. Rea, 35, made 46 starts for the Cubs over the past two years, moving between the bullpen and the rotation. He finished second in innings pitched in each of his two years with the club. Last season, he was 8-8 with a 4.34 ERA over 137 innings. He pitched out of the pen during the second half after the Cubs acquired startersKevin GausmanandClay Holmesat the trade deadline in early August. Rea has a 4.40 ERA over his eight-year career, which included stops inSan Diego,MiamiandMilwaukee. This was his second stint with the Cubs, after pitching for them in 2020. Rea joins Gausman, Holmes,Shota Imanaga,Matthew BoydandDavid Petersonas key free agents from the Cubs' pitching staff last season. He gets a $1 million buyout as part of his deal.