Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Toronto Blue Jays just made a move that’s sure to shake things up! For the second year in a row, former Alabama pitcher Chase Lee has been traded, but this time, he’s bringing 32 games of Major League experience to the table. And this is the part most people miss: Lee’s journey from a walk-on at Alabama to a seasoned reliever is nothing short of inspiring—but does this trade signal a shift in the Blue Jays’ bullpen strategy? Let’s dive in.
On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays finalized a deal with the Detroit Tigers, acquiring Lee in exchange for left-handed reliever Johan Simon. This swap comes just over a year after Lee was traded from the Texas Rangers to the Tigers on July 30, 2024, alongside pitcher Joseph Montalvo, for Andrew Chafin. Lee, affectionately known as “The Viper,” made his MLB debut on April 22, 2025, after starting the season with the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate. He finished the season there, too, showcasing his versatility and reliability.
During his time with the Tigers, Lee appeared in 32 relief games, posting a solid 4-1 record with a 4.10 ERA. In 37.1 innings, he struck out 36 batters while allowing 32 hits and nine walks. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Lee’s performance enough to justify the Blue Jays’ decision, or are they betting on untapped potential? Let’s not forget, this is a team that’s been strategically rebuilding its bullpen.
Meanwhile, Johan Simon, the pitcher heading to Detroit, spent 2025 bouncing between three levels of the Blue Jays’ minor-league system. With the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, High-A Vancouver Canadians, and Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Simon went 3-3 with a 3.42 ERA and one save in 31 relief appearances. Over 71 innings, he struck out 79 batters while giving up 67 hits and 29 walks. Is Simon the hidden gem the Tigers need, or is this trade a lateral move?
Lee’s story is particularly compelling. After starring on AHSAA playoff teams at McAdory High School in McCalla, he joined Alabama’s club baseball team while pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. His 7-0 record and 0.21 ERA for the club team earned him Rawlings National Club Baseball Association All-American honors and a walk-on spot with the Crimson Tide in 2019. Over three seasons with Alabama, Lee went 9-0 with a 1.87 ERA in 49 relief appearances, striking out 94 batters in 82 innings. The Texas Rangers selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, setting the stage for his MLB career.
Now, as Lee joins the Blue Jays, fans are left wondering: Can he become a key piece in their bullpen puzzle? And what does this mean for Simon’s future in Detroit? One thing’s for sure—this trade has sparked plenty of debate. Do you think the Blue Jays got the better end of this deal, or is it too early to tell? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
