Rea Named PCL Pitcher of the Year

Iowa Cubs right-handed starter Colin Rea was named the PCL Pitcher of the Year, the league announced Thursday. The Cascade, Iowa native was also selected to the PCL mid-season All-Star team, as well as the All-PCL team this season.

Rea, 29, is 14-3 with a 3.74 ERA (59ER/142.0IP) in 25 starts for Iowa. The righty's 14 wins are the most for a PCL pitcher since 2016 and also ties the Iowa single-season franchise record. Rea has spun 5.0 or more frames in 22 of 25 starts and claims 11 quality outings.
The right-hander paces the league in ERA and wins, while ranking fourth in strikeouts (115) and opponent batting average (.253), as well as fifth in innings pitched (142.0) and WHIP (1.35). If Rea holds on to the ERA crown, he would become just the second Iowa player to pace the league in pitching. Jack Kucek accomplished the feat in back-to-back seasons -1977 (2.54) and 1987 (2.47) - in the American Association. Reggie Patterson was the last Iowa arm to lead the league in wins with 14 in 1984.
Originally selected by San Diego in the 12th round of the 2011 draft, Rea made his major league debut for the Padres in 2015. Rea has made 26 big league appearances (25 GS) across two seasons - 2015-16 with the Padres and 2016 with Miami. The hurler signed with the Cubs as a free agent in January of 2019.
Rea is the second I-Cub to claim PCL Pitcher of the Year honors. Right-hander Carlos Pimentel captured the award in 2015 after going 12-6 with a 2.95 ERA in 26 starts and 27 total games.
Rea makes his 26th start of the season for Iowa tonight in Oklahoma City at 7:05 p.m. The righty goes for win No. 15 and sole ownership of the Iowa franchise record. Follow the action on AM 940, TuneIn Radio or MiLB.TV.