The Detroit Tigers traded right-handed reliever Chase Lee to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday in exchange for left-handed prospect Johan Simon. This move allows the Tigers to clear a roster spot for Kyle Finnegan's impending return. Lee brings a unique pitching style to Toronto's bullpen.
The trade between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays involved two relief pitchers at different career stages. The Blue Jays received 27-year-old right-hander Chase Lee, who offers a sidearm delivery with a sharp sweeper, sinker, and four-seam fastball. Lee joined the Tigers via a deal with the Texas Rangers at the 2024 Trade Deadline that included Andrew Chafin.
In his MLB debut season with Detroit last April, Lee appeared in 32 games, recording a 4.10 ERA and 36 strikeouts across 37 1/3 innings. He allowed seven home runs, including five off his sweeper, while consistently challenging hitters in the strike zone. Lee's path to the majors was unconventional: he walked on to the University of Alabama's baseball team after going unnoticed, achieved a 1.87 ERA over three college seasons, and was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Rangers. He also earned a degree in aeronautics engineering and spent time living in an RV with his family while shuttling between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo. Lee has two Minor League options left.
Heading to the Tigers is 24-year-old lefty Johan Simon, a prospect who developed slowly in Toronto's system after arriving from the Dominican Republic. Simon spent three years in the rookie-level Florida Complex League before advancing to full-season affiliates this year. Across three levels, including Double-A New Hampshire, he made 31 appearances with a 3.42 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 71 innings, relying on a sinker and slider to induce ground balls.
For Detroit, the transaction opens a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Kyle Finnegan, who agreed to a two-year deal pending a physical. Another spot was already available for Drew Anderson upon his one-year contract becoming official.
