Blue Jays Acquire Reliever Chase Lee from Tigers

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-handed reliever Chase Lee from the Detroit Tigers on Friday in exchange for minor league left-hander Johan Simon, bolstering their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season.

Lee, a 27-year-old sidearm pitcher, brings major league experience to Toronto after a solid rookie year with Detroit in 2025. He made his big league debut on April 22 and appeared in 32 relief outings, posting a 4-1 record with a 4.10 earned-run average. Over 37 1/3 innings, Lee struck out 36 batters while issuing just nine walks, allowing 32 hits. Earlier in the season, he spent time with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, where he made 23 appearances and recorded a 6.47 ERA in 32 innings.

This marks the second trade of Lee's professional career. Selected by the Texas Rangers in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB draft, he was dealt to the Tigers along with pitcher Joseph Montalvo at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for reliever Andrew Chafin. Lee, known as "The Viper" for his delivery, originally walked on to the Alabama Crimson Tide after starring on the university's club team, where he went 7-0 with a 0.21 ERA. In three seasons with Alabama's varsity squad,...