Ranking the 5 most valuable offseason additions for the Cubs to this point

4. Colin Rea

Starting pitcher Colin Rea looked like an average signing when the Cubs inked the 35-year-old to a one-year contract with an option for 2026 back in January. But this is another low-risk high-reward deal that has greatly benefitted the Cubs. Rea began the season as a long reliever out of the bullpen, but he slid into the Cubs' starting rotation after Justin Steele went down with elbow surgery.

The veteran right-hander has been fantastic since joining the rotation, compiling a 2.48 ERA through his first nine games and six starts, with 29 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. The former Brewer is also limiting opposing hitters to a 6.1 percent walk rate and he is challenging hitters by attacking the strike zone in his starts.

Rea has been vital for the Cubs with Steele, and fellow starters Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad, on the injured list. Until the latter two return from their respective injuries, Rea looks like he is staying put as long as he can keep giving the team chances to win when he's on the mound. Notably, Rea's contract features a club option worth $6 million for 2026, which the team would undoubtedly exercise if he continues to perform like he has.

3. Carson Kelly

The Cubs went into the offseason needing another catcher to supplement starter Miguel Amaya, and Carson Kelly has done that and much more so far this season. Kelly is leading all MLB catchers with a 206 wRC+ (minimum 90 plate appearances), and is slashing .303/.443/.671 with eight home runs and 23 RBI.

Kelly also hit the first cycle from a Cubs hitter in over 30 years in a game against the Athletics in April. This offensive explosion has given Counsell enough confidence to move Kelly into the fifth and sometimes fourth spot in the Cubs' lineup, giving him more high-leverage and RBI opportunities.

The 30-year-old also brings 10 years of MLB experience to the Cubs clubhouse, giving his teammates another veteran presence to look up to. Kelly's bat has contributed to the team's historic run-scoring potential and been vital in resurrecting production from the catcher position for the Cubs, which was near the bottom of the league last year.