Seranthony Dominguez contract has officially shifted hands following a significant trade that sent the veteran reliever from the Baltimore Orioles to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 29, 2025. This move occurred during a doubleheader between the two clubs and could be one of the most strategic bullpen acquisitions before the MLB trade deadline.
Dominguez, who originally signed a two-year extension in 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies, entered 2025 under a club option worth $8 million. That option was picked up, making him a potential rental candidate for contenders looking for high-leverage relief help. The Blue Jays, who have struggled with consistency in the back end of their bullpen, saw Dominguez as the ideal upgrade.
Details of the Trade
- Date: July 29, 2025
- Teams Involved: Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays
- Trade Elements:
- Toronto receives Seranthony Dominguez and cash considerations
- Baltimore receives Juaron Watts-Brown, a highly-rated minor league pitcher
While the full financial details are not public, it’s confirmed that Dominguez’s $8 million salary for 2025 will now be split proportionally between the two clubs based on his days on the roster.
Performance and Role in 2025
Dominguez, 30, has been a powerful bullpen arm throughout the season. Before the trade, he pitched 41.2 innings for the Orioles, posting a 3.24 ERA and striking out 54 batters. While his walk rate remains higher than ideal, his fastball velocity near 98 mph and elite strikeout numbers make him a top-tier setup option.
Toronto’s bullpen has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistency. Adding Dominguez immediately strengthens their ability to close out tight games, especially with other relievers dealing with health concerns or performance dips.
Toronto’s Strategic Move
For the Blue Jays, this trade is more than just adding another arm. They’ve been aggressive in shoring up late-game situations and have made it clear they intend to compete in the postseason. Dominguez gives them a reliable option to pair with their current closer or take over the role if needed.
His contract situation—one-year deal with no commitment beyond 2025—also makes it a low-risk, high-reward play. If he performs well, Toronto could even explore an extension before the offseason hits.
Orioles Look Ahead
On the other side, the Orioles decided to flip Dominguez while his value was high. With their playoff chances fading, the club chose to cash in on their rental asset. In return, they received 23-year-old Juaron Watts-Brown, a promising right-handed pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff.
Watts-Brown had a strong year across High-A and Double-A, combining for a 3.54 ERA and striking out over 115 batters in 89 innings. His command is still a work in progress, but the upside is clearly there, and Baltimore believes he could be a long-term rotation piece.
Quick Breakdown of the Deal
| Trade Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Dominguez Salary | $8 million (prorated between teams) |
| New Team | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Orioles Return | RHP Juaron Watts-Brown |
| Dominguez Role | Setup / late-inning relief |
| Years Remaining | Free agent after 2025 |
Contract Implications Going Forward
This shift in the Seranthony Dominguez contract doesn’t just affect the 2025 season—it opens up offseason possibilities. If he thrives in Toronto and helps them secure a playoff berth, the Blue Jays could look to retain him with a new deal. On the flip side, Dominguez will hit free agency with even greater leverage if he performs in the spotlight.
Both clubs stand to benefit—Toronto in the short term, and Baltimore in the long-term build.
The days leading up to the trade deadline are always full of surprises, and this Dominguez deal is certainly one of the more calculated moves of 2025. Whether it pays off for the Blue Jays will depend on how he performs in August and September.
Stay tuned to see if Dominguez becomes Toronto’s bullpen hero or if Baltimore’s gamble on youth pays off down the line. What do you think of the trade? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!