The Toronto Blue Jays are making moves ahead of the trade deadline! In a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto is set to acquire right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez, along with cash considerations, according to reports from Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi. The Blue Jays are sending minor league righty Juaron Watts-Brown to Baltimore in exchange.
Dominguez, 30, is currently in the final year of his contract, earning $8 million. He joined the Orioles last year after being traded from the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 deadline. This season, the 6'1", 225-pound righty has been a key setup man for Baltimore, pitching 41 2/3 innings with a 3.24 ERA and a stellar 30.9% strikeout rate. However, he's also struggled with command, posting a 13.7% walk rate.
Despite the high walk rate, Dominguez has enjoyed a strong year overall. His strikeout rate is the second-highest of his career, only behind his rookie season, and his swinging-strike rate is an impressive 14.3%. He throws his four-seam fastball at an average of 97.7 mph and his sinker at 97.9 mph, complementing these with a splitter averaging 87.4 mph and a seldom-used curveball around 83.7 mph.
Dominguez has recorded 13 holds and two saves this season, and he's been charged with three blown saves. Outside of closer Felix Bautista, he's been the Orioles' most frequently used reliever in high-leverage situations. Throughout his career, dating back to his debut in 2018 with the Phillies, Dominguez has tallied 40 saves and 71 holds in 298 major league appearances, showcasing his experience in protecting late leads.
This acquisition addresses a key need for the Blue Jays, who are looking to bolster their bullpen for the final stretch of the season. With Yimi García's future uncertain due to an elbow issue, Dominguez provides a valuable leverage relief option. The Blue Jays are aiming high at the 2025 deadline, looking to inject talent to a surging roster. They’ll look to fill key needs — leverage relief, rotation depth and one more bat — for the final stretch to October.
The Blue Jays' front office continues to be active as the trade deadline approaches, signaling their commitment to competing for a playoff spot.