The Toronto Blue Jays are making waves in the offseason with their first trade, acquiring a new pitcher from the Detroit Tigers. The deal sees 27-year-old relief pitcher Chase Lee heading north of the border, with 24-year-old minor-leaguer Johan Simon moving in the opposite direction.

Chase Lee’s Career so far

Lee made his big-league debut for the Tigers in late April, a significant milestone in his career. He pitched 37.1 innings from the bullpen over the course of the season, concluding with a 4.10 ERA and 36 strikeouts. Unfortunately, his performance at the Triple-A level during the same period was less inspiring, as he struggled with a 6.75 ERA across 32 innings.

What Lee Brings to the Blue Jays

Standing at 6-feet and weighing 170 pounds, this right-hander uses a side-arm slot for his throws. His fastball velocity may not be the fastest, lingering between 88 and 92 mph, but he counters that with a diverse pitching lineup. He offers four different pitches: a four-seamer, sinker, sweeper, and changeup. While he might not revolutionize the Jays’ bullpen, his addition provides valuable depth to the roster.

Blue Jays’ Bullpen Reinforcement

After a disappointing bullpen performance in 2025, the Blue Jays have been actively seeking to bolster their lineup this offseason. Even though they missed out on Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez, the team is reportedly still in the market for a closer. Current rumors suggest potential interest in 31-year-old Pete Fairbanks. They are also believed to be considering Brad Keller, who last pitched for the Chicago Cubs.

Lead photo by Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images

Looking Forward

With the acquisition of Lee, the Toronto Blue Jays have started their offseason on a positive note. Their focus on strengthening the bullpen illustrates the team’s commitment to improving their performance in the coming season. While the addition of Lee is a good start, fans will be eagerly watching for further roster enhancements, particularly the potential signing of a new closer.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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