Alabama Pitcher Chase Lee Drafted By Texas Rangers

Alabama junior relief pitcher Chase Lee was drafted No. 164 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. The Rangers picked Lee with the second pick in the sixth round. Lee was Alabama's third player drafted in this year's draft and was the highest Crimson Tide relief pitcher selected since Thomas Burrows was drafted in the fourth round in 2014.

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A former walk-on, Lee developed himself into a quality relief pitcher for the Tide. In three seasons on the mound, Lee amassed a 1.87 ERA. In 49 career appearances he holds an unblemished 9-0 record and nine saves.

Lee led the Crimson Tide bullpen and ranked third on the team in strikeouts in 2021 with 51 and he earned himself third team All-American honors from NCBWA in addition to being named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-Southeast Region First Team.

Academically, Lee represented the Crimson Tide as a member of the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll from 2019-21 while earning his degree in aerospace engineering.

After being drafted, players with remaining eligibility may opt to return to college and continue their career in order to try to improve their draft position should they choose not to sign a professional contract.