Chase Lee’s Journey: From Tigers to Blue Jays in a Bullpen-Shifting Trade

Chase Lee’s Unexpected Trade: A Bullpen Story with Layers

The MLB offseason often brings a flurry of trades, but some moves carry deeper narratives than the transaction line suggests. Such is the case with Chase Lee, the right-handed sidearm reliever whose journey from the Detroit Tigers to the Toronto Blue Jays became official on December 12, 2025. This trade wasn’t just about shifting roster spots—it was a story of adaptation, opportunity, and the ever-evolving strategies of modern baseball bullpens.

Why the Tigers Made the Move: Roster Crunch and Lefty Depth

According to Bless You Boys, Detroit’s front office had been busy stocking up on minor league arms. The Lee-for-Simon swap was triggered by the need to clear a 40-man roster spot for reliever Kyle Finnegan, who had just signed a two-year, $19 million deal. This created a domino effect: Lee’s departure opened space for Finnegan, and in return, the Tigers received Johan Simon—a left-handed prospect whose profile matched a glaring organizational need.

Left-handed relief had been a trouble spot for the Tigers. With Andrew Magno moving on to the Orioles and Micah Ashman traded away, Detroit found itself thin on southpaw options. Simon, a 24-year-old international signing from the Dominican Republic, had finally overcome injury setbacks in 2025, climbing from Single-A to Double-A and posting a 3.42 ERA over 71 innings. His 64% ground-ball rate and improving changeup made him an intriguing addition, even if his walk rates (9.2%) remained a concern.

Chase Lee’s Path: From Underdog to Major League Debut

Lee’s journey is as unconventional as his delivery. Originally a sixth-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2021, Lee wasn’t a highly touted prospect. In fact, he walked on to the University of Alabama’s bullpen, piecing together a stellar college career (1.87 ERA over three seasons) while earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. His sidearm release—deceptive and tough on righties—became his calling card.

After coming to Detroit in the 2024 Andrew Chafin trade, Lee quickly made his mark. He debuted in April 2025 and, for five weeks, looked like a bullpen fixture. Over 32 MLB games, he delivered a 4.10 ERA, striking out 24.3% of batters and walking just 6.1% across 37 1/3 innings. His arsenal: a low-velocity four-seam fastball (89.2 mph), sinker, slider, and a sharp sweeper. Though his strikeout numbers stood out, Lee’s fastball lacked overpowering velocity, demanding pinpoint control—something that eluded him during a rough midsummer stretch.

Off the field, Lee’s story resonated with fans. He lived in an RV with his wife and child, bouncing between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo, embodying the resilience of many minor leaguers who chase big-league dreams.

Toronto’s Strategy: Arm Angles and Bullpen Flexibility

For the Blue Jays, Lee represents more than a depth piece. As MLB Trade Rumors and MLB.com note, Toronto’s front office has shown interest in relievers with unusual arm angles, seeking to diversify their bullpen mix. Lee’s sidearm delivery fits that mold perfectly, and with two minor league options remaining, he offers flexibility for the club throughout the season.

Toronto’s bullpen had a 40-man roster vacancy, so Lee steps into a ready-made spot. While he’s not yet arbitration-eligible, Lee could become a long-term contributor if his deceptive style translates consistently at the big-league level. His ability to strike out batters and limit walks makes him an appealing project, particularly for a team aiming to outmaneuver hitters with a variety of looks from the mound.

Johan Simon: Late Bloomer, High Ground-Ball Upside

Simon’s backstory is a testament to perseverance. Signed as an international free agent in 2020, he spent three years in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, battling injuries and developmental hurdles. But 2025 was his breakout: a 3.42 ERA, 79 strikeouts, and a ground-ball rate that soared above 60%. His pitch mix—mid-90s fastball, sinker, slider, and an improving changeup—has drawn attention, even if control issues linger.

Detroit’s acquisition of Simon is less about immediate impact and more about replenishing depth and potential. He’s expected to start 2026 in Triple-A, with a chance to earn a call-up if his progress continues. The Tigers, meanwhile, maintain their commitment to developing left-handed arms for both relief and starting roles, with prospects like Jake Miller and Andrew Sears also in the pipeline.

The Human Side: Lee’s Resilience and the Reality of MLB Trades

Trades like this one are often framed by numbers, but they’re lived by people. For Chase Lee, the move to Toronto is another chapter in a career built on perseverance and adaptability. His journey—from overlooked college walk-on to major league pitcher, from living in an RV to pitching under big-league lights—offers a glimpse into the realities faced by many in professional sports.

For the Tigers, the trade reflects the constant balancing act of roster management, prospect development, and the search for bullpen answers. For the Blue Jays, it’s a calculated bet on the value of variety and depth.

Assessment: This trade is a reminder that major league baseball is as much about strategic resource management as it is about personal journeys. Chase Lee’s story—marked by resilience, adaptability, and an unconventional rise—mirrors the shifting priorities of both Detroit and Toronto’s bullpens. While the numbers offer insight, it’s the human element that makes this transaction noteworthy: a pitcher seeking stability, teams seeking answers, and fans watching the next chapter unfold.