In a strategic move, the Tigers have traded right-handed pitcher Chase Lee to the Blue Jays, acquiring minor league lefty Johan Simon in return. The announcement from both teams highlights this transaction as a significant step, particularly for the Tigers, who are preparing to officially announce the signing of reliever Kyle Finnegan. This trade clears a spot on the Tigers’ 40-man roster, which had become crowded.
Chase Lee, 27, does not overpower hitters with velocity; instead, he relies on a deceptive sidearm delivery that has proven effective in the past. Originally selected by the Texas Rangers, Lee was traded to the Tigers in a deal that sent veteran Andrew Chafin to Texas. During his time in the minor leagues, Lee posted a 4.13 earned run average (ERA) over 24 2/3 innings, which included a modest walk rate of 8% and a strikingly high strikeout rate of 30.9%. In 2025, he made his major league debut and contributed 37 1/3 innings while maintaining a 4.10 ERA. His pitch repertoire includes a four-seam fastball averaging just 89.2 miles per hour, complemented by a sinker, slider, and changeup. Notably, Lee struck out 24.3% of the batters he faced, while limiting his walk rate to a mere 6.1%.
For the Blue Jays, acquiring Lee enhances their bullpen depth. He comes with the benefit of options, allowing the team the flexibility to shuttle him between the major leagues and Triple-A Buffalo as needed throughout the season. Recent reports suggest that the Jays are focusing on diversifying their pitching, especially in terms of arm angles, which may make Lee’s sidearm delivery an appealing addition to their roster. With under a year of service time, Lee remains several years away from arbitration and even longer from free agency, positioning him as a potential long-term asset for the team if he can establish himself in a consistent role.
In return for Lee, the Blue Jays have parted ways with Johan Simon, a promising left-handed pitcher who was signed internationally out of the Dominican Republic. Simon enjoyed a successful 2025 season, starting at Single-A before advancing through High-A and Double-A. Over the course of 71 relief innings, he achieved a 3.42 ERA, while recording a 25.1% strikeout rate and a 9.2% walk rate, coupled with an impressive ground ball rate of 64%.
For the Tigers, the trade allows them to address their 40-man roster crunch, sacrificing some immediate depth while acquiring a non-roster player who is still developing. Thus, this trade not only reshapes their roster but also indicates a forward-looking strategy as they maneuver through the upcoming challenges of the season.
