The Toronto Blue Jays have made a strategic move by acquiring right-handed pitcher Chase Lee from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Johan Simon, as officially announced by the Major League Baseball club on Friday. This trade highlights the Blue Jays' commitment to strengthening their pitching roster as they approach the upcoming season.
Chase Lee, a 27-year-old pitcher, had a noteworthy debut season with the Tigers in 2025, participating in 32 games. Over the course of his rookie year, he recorded a solid 4.10 earned-run average (ERA) along with a impressive 1.10 WHIP. Lee showcased his ability to manage games effectively with a 6.1 per cent walk rate and a 24.3 per cent strikeout rate, indicating a balance of control and strikeout capability that the Blue Jays are likely to benefit from in their bullpen.
Originating from Birmingham, Alabama, Chase Lee was initially selected by the Texas Rangers in the sixth round of the 2021 first-year player draft. He later moved to the Tigers during the 2024 trade deadline, demonstrating his potential in the major leagues. His overall minor-league experience is extensive, as he has appeared in 163 career games (including five starts) across both the Rangers and Tigers organizations, amassing a 4.13 ERA with a total of 275 strikeouts in 204.2 innings pitched. This strong minor-league track record may provide a solid foundation for his continued development at the major league level.
On the other side of the trade, Johan Simon, a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher, had his 2025 season split among various minor league levels including Single-A Dunedin, High-A Vancouver, and Double-A New Hampshire. Simon boasted an impressive 3.42 ERA across his 71.0 innings pitched in a total of 31 games. His performance indicates his potential as a rising star within the organizational depth of the Tigers.
Simon joined the Blue Jays organization as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2020. Over his five seasons in Toronto’s minor league system, he appeared in a total of 62 games (with 10 starts), earning a record of 10-8 and maintaining a 3.73 ERA. This strong performance showcases his capabilities as a reliable option for Detroit as they look to enhance their pitching lineup.
This trade reflects both teams' strategies in how they plan to fortify their pitching rotations moving forward into the 2026 season. The Blue Jays, through the acquisition of Lee, are looking to bolster their pitching staff, while the Tigers have gained a talented young pitcher in Simon, who has demonstrated promise in the minors. As both players transition to their new teams, the implications of this trade will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
