Chase Lee – Detroit Tigers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Chase Lee, nicknamed “The Unicorn” because of his unusual sidearm delivery, made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on April 22, 2025. He’s a right-handed reliever who’s already turning heads with that deceptive throwing motion and his knack for getting outs from the bullpen.

Chase Lee currently plays under a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $760,000. This is his first major league deal, after the Texas Rangers drafted him in the sixth round back in 2021.

Born August 13, 1998, in Birmingham, Alabama, Lee started building his game at the University of Alabama before going pro. He worked his way up through the minors, impressing coaches and scouts with his unique pitching style and his cool under pressure.

The Detroit Tigers called him up from the Toledo Mud Hens just a few weeks ago, and at 26, he’s finally getting his shot in the big leagues.

Analysts already see his potential as a valuable bullpen piece because of that oddball delivery. At 6’0″ and 170 pounds, he’s not exactly towering, but his sidearm technique makes life tough for hitters. That’s helped him rise through the ranks and land his current major league salary.

Early Life and Education

Chase Lee grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was born on August 13, 1998. His early years set the stage for his baseball journey, thanks to family support and a solid education.

Family Background

Chase Alexander Lee spent his childhood in McCalla, Alabama, a small spot just outside Birmingham. His family encouraged his athletic side right from the start.

Not a ton is public about his immediate family, but it’s obvious they backed his baseball dreams.

The Birmingham area has produced plenty of baseball talent, and Lee found himself in a competitive environment early on. Local youth leagues gave him the chance to show off that funky sidearm pitching style that would eventually become his signature.

He’s often credited his Alabama roots for the work ethic that’s powered his career.

High School Achievements

Lee attended McAdory High School in McCalla, Alabama, where he started making a name for himself as a pitcher. He was already using his unusual sidearm delivery in high school, which later earned him the nickname “The Viper” in college.

His high school years weren’t just about baseball, though. Lee kept up strong grades, managing to balance tough classes with all those hours on the diamond.

That discipline would pay off later in college.

Each season at McAdory, his pitching stats got better, and college scouts took notice—even though he wasn’t a top national recruit. He started developing as a reliever during these years.

College Years

Lee’s next stop was the University of Alabama, where he really started to look like a pro prospect. With the Crimson Tide, he honed his sidearm delivery and became one of the SEC’s most effective relievers.

He didn’t just focus on baseball, either. Lee took classes in agricultural economics and a few other areas, showing he was more than just an athlete.

He matched his on-field performance with good grades, which isn’t always easy at that level.

The 2021 season turned out to be the big one for Lee. Scouts started paying close attention after he put up a low ERA and struck out a bunch of hitters as Alabama’s closer.

That success led to the Texas Rangers picking him in the sixth round (164th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. That moment kicked off his professional career.

Baseball Career Overview

Chase Lee’s story is all about standing out, from college standout to pro pitcher. His sidearm delivery and command on the mound have made him memorable as he climbed through the minors to his MLB debut.

Amateur Baseball Milestones

Chase Lee sharpened his game in Birmingham before making a splash at the University of Alabama. As a college reliever, he earned the nickname “The Viper” for his low, sidearm delivery that made hitters miserable.

With the Crimson Tide, Lee quickly became one of the SEC’s most reliable bullpen arms. His stats showed off his control and his ability to get hitters to pound the ball into the ground.

Unlike some prospects who split time with other sports, Lee focused only on pitching and developing his arsenal.

Scouts noticed how he handled pressure in big conference games.

Professional Debut and Progression

The Texas Rangers picked Lee in the 6th round (164th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. He signed and quickly started moving up the Rangers’ minor league ladder, showing the same stuff that made him so good in college.

Lee kept working on his pitch mix and learned to adjust to pro hitters. He moved steadily through the minors, keeping his strikeout-to-walk ratios strong.

After the Tigers acquired him, Lee kept pushing forward in their farm system. He made his MLB debut on April 22, 2025, just a few weeks ago.

Notable Teams and Leagues

Lee’s pro journey has taken him through a couple of organizations. He started in the Rangers’ system and later joined the Detroit Tigers, earning a spot on their 40-man roster.

In the minors, Lee pitched for several teams as he moved up:

• Rangers’ affiliates (2021-2023)
• Tigers’ minor league system (2023-2025)
• Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of Detroit Tigers)

His current contract with Detroit is valued at $760,000 for the 2025 season. It’s his first big league deal after years of minor league pay.

Tigers fans have been watching his progress closely, hoping he’ll become a key bullpen piece.

Chase Lee Contract Details

Chase Lee’s contract details tell the story of a relief pitcher working his way up with the Detroit Tigers. The structure, negotiations, and endorsement possibilities all play a part in his financial outlook.

Major League Contract Terms

Chase Lee is under team control with the Detroit Tigers after they added him to their 40-man roster in November 2024. As a rookie reliever, he earns close to the MLB minimum salary—about $650,000 for 2025.

The Tigers selected his contract from the Toledo Mud Hens, their Triple-A team, which made him a major leaguer. That move also protected him from the Rule 5 draft and showed the Tigers were serious about his future.

Lee’s current contract includes:

• Base salary near the league minimum
• Standard rookie contract terms
• Team control for six MLB service years
• Pre-arbitration status for his first three seasons

Contract Negotiation and Signing

Lee’s road to his current contract started after the Texas Rangers drafted him, and he later landed with the Tigers. His submarine-style delivery and success as a reliever boosted his value during contract talks.

As a right-handed pitcher born August 13, 1998, he earned his 40-man spot with consistent minor league performances. The Tigers’ front office liked his potential as a specialized bullpen piece and decided to invest in him.

A few things likely factored into his contract negotiations:

• That unique pitching style
• Minor league stats and future potential
• How much pitching depth the team already had
• Their plans for the bullpen long-term

Endorsements and Sponsorship Agreements

Chase Lee is still building his brand and appeal off the field. As a developing reliever—not exactly a household name—he’s probably just starting out with endorsements.

Most rookie pitchers get equipment deals first, usually with companies that make gloves, cleats, or training gear. Lee’s submarine delivery could give him some niche appeal for brands that focus on pitching.

He might attract sponsorships from:

• Local Detroit businesses looking for sports figures
• Baseball equipment companies
• Training facilities or sports performance brands
• Social media partners as his profile grows

The value of these deals usually goes up if he keeps performing well in the majors.

Chase Lee Net Worth Analysis

Chase Lee’s finances reflect a career that’s just taking off. His net worth comes from his baseball salary, possible endorsements, and whatever investments he’s started as a new MLB player.

Income Sources

Lee’s main income is his contract with the Detroit Tigers, worth $760,000. That one-year deal is the financial foundation for him as a rookie reliever.

Before this, he earned minor league pay while coming up through the Rangers’ system after the 2021 MLB Draft. At Alabama, he probably benefited from scholarships before turning pro.

Endorsement deals are still pretty limited at this stage. If he can stick in the majors, especially with that sidearm delivery and the “Viper” nickname, he might see more marketing opportunities after his MLB debut on April 22, 2025.

Asset Portfolio

Lee’s asset portfolio is probably still pretty basic, given how new he is to big-league paychecks. Most young players focus on building up savings during their first contracts.

A lot of athletes buy real estate as their first big purchase. Lee might have picked up property back in Birmingham or maybe somewhere near Detroit.

Early in their careers, players usually stick to conservative investments—think emergency funds and retirement accounts—before trying anything risky. Financial advisors tend to nudge them in that direction.

Financial Growth Over Time

Lee’s financial outlook looks pretty good if things keep going his way. At 26 years old, he’s just entering his best earning years as a pro athlete, and this $760,000 contract is his first real MLB payday.

Guys with a unique skill set—like Lee’s sidearm pitching—sometimes carve out long careers, which could mean bigger contracts if he performs. Middle relievers who prove themselves can land multi-million dollar deals down the line.

Jumping from minor league pay to an MLB salary is already a big leap. With smart financial choices and steady progress, Lee’s net worth could grow a lot over the next five or ten years, depending on his health and performance.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Off the field, Chase Lee tries to balance his baseball career with personal interests and giving back. He seems genuinely committed to making a difference in the community, not just chasing stats on the mound.

Philanthropy and Charitable Work

Lee has already made a name for himself as a dedicated community servant, even though he’s still pretty new to the Major Leagues.

Right after his MLB debut in April 2025, he jumped in and started supporting youth baseball programs in Detroit and back home in Birmingham, Alabama.

He’s especially known for teaming up with the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots during the holidays. Instead of just donating, Lee actually shows up and hands out gifts to kids in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Every year, he puts on a baseball clinic, too. He gives free coaching to young players who wouldn’t be able to pay for professional instruction otherwise.

“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball in the first place,” Lee said at a community event last year.

Lately, he’s also started helping out with public health efforts. Lee’s been backing campaigns that encourage kids to get active and help fight childhood obesity.

Interests Outside Baseball

When he’s not on the mound, Lee dives into a bunch of hobbies that help him keep his sanity during the long, grinding baseball season.

He’s an avid outdoorsman. Fishing and hiking are his go-to activities in the off-season, and he loves sharing those adventures with fans on social media.

Back in college at Alabama, Lee got hooked on cooking. Every now and then, he hosts cooking demos for fans, mixing his love for food with a bit of community fun.

He calls himself a “technology geek.” Lee plays video games and has jumped into a few charity gaming tournaments with other MLB players. Those events bring in real money for children’s hospitals.

Lee still makes time for education. Right now, he’s working on a part-time business degree during the off-seasons. He’s even talked about maybe going into sports management after he hangs up his cleats.