Toronto Blue Jays get a new pitcher in trade with Detroit Tigers

The Toronto Blue Jays have made their first trade of the offseason.

The Blue Jays have acquired relief pitcher Chase Lee from the Detroit Tigers. Going back the other way is 24-year-old minor-leaguer Johan Simon.

Lee, 27, was called up by the Tigers in late April, marking the first big-league call up of his career. He went on to pitch 37.1 innings out of the bullpen, registering a 4.10 ERA with 36 strikeouts. His results at the Triple-A level this past season were far less encouraging, as he had a troubling 6.75 ERA in 32 innings.

The 6-foot, 170-pound right-hander throws from a side-arm slot. He doesn't have the best velocity, as his fastball ranges between 88 and 92 mph. That said, he features four different pitches in a four-seamer, sinker, sweeper, and changeup.

The Blue Jays have been looking to improve their bullpen this offseason, the one area for them which disappointed at times in 2025. Lee likely won't be a game-changer out of the bullpen, but is a depth option.

The Jays are by no means done making additions to their bullpen. Though they lost out on Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez, they are still believed to be in the market for a closer, with some linking them to 31-year-old Pete Fairbanks. They also have reported interest in Brad Keller, who last pitched for the Chicago Cubs.