Toronto Blue Jays acquired Chase Lee, but who did they give up in return?

That player is Johan Simon, a 24-year old pitcher from the Dominican Republic, who been with the Blue Jays organization since 2021.

Signed as an international free agent, Simon spent the first few seasons of his professional career in rookie ball, with the Gulf coast Blue Jays.

In 2025, after starting the year in Low-A Dunedin, he eventually moved up to Vancouver and then AA New Hampshire and had success at all three levels.

His combined numbers through all three levels of the minors this past season were 3-3 with a 3.41 ERA in 31 games including one save.

Incidentally, his best ERA was actually in Double-A, where he had a 2.38 showing through six games.

His strength however, lies in getting ground balls. While his 25% strikeout rate was a fairly good mark, his 9% walk rate was average.

However, Simon had an astouding 64% ground ball rate. Strikeouts, combined with weak contact is a recipe for success.

In Simon, the Tigers are getting a depth piece who is close to being major league ready as well as a player who isn't taking up a spot on the 40-man roster.

Given his success this past season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Simon start 2026 in Triple-A Toledo. He could also be a candidate for a call-up around midseason.