Seranthony Dominguez Trade to Blue Jays: What It Means for MLB’s Contenders

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The Toronto Blue Jays made a major bullpen upgrade on July 29, 2025, by acquiring right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for top pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown. This high-impact trade is one of the most talked-about moves as the MLB trade deadline approaches, signaling the Blue Jays’ clear intent to strengthen their bullpen for a deep postseason run.

Seranthony Dominguez, 30, is a flamethrowing right-hander originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012. He debuted in 2018 and established himself as a closer before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. Since returning in late 2021, Dominguez has been a reliable, high-leverage reliever, maintaining at least 15 saves or holds each of the last four seasons. In 2025, he posted a 3.24 ERA with a 1.344 WHIP and tallied 54 strikeouts over 41.2 innings. Recently, he has been dominant, with a 1.14 ERA in his last 23 outings, consistently pitching at high velocity around 98 MPH and mixing in effective breaking pitches.

The Blue Jays’ bullpen had a reasonably strong 3.72 ERA, ranking 8th in MLB, but acquiring Dominguez adds a proven experience and closing ability that could prove crucial in tight postseason games. His presence brings a flame-throwing arm and savvy veteran closer to Toronto’s bullpen mix, enhancing the team’s late-inning options.

On the Orioles’ side, the trade signals a shift toward long-term rebuilding, as they acquired highly regarded pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown. The 23-year-old righty has posted a 3.54 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 89 innings between High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, and is ranked as the Blue Jays’ No. 10 prospect. Baltimore is betting on this young talent to develop into a future MLB asset.

Dominguez’s move came literally between games of a Blue Jays doubleheader, illustrating the urgency and dynamic nature of deadline-day deals. The Orioles have now traded two key bullpen arms in July, including Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto, as part of roster reshaping.

For the Blue Jays, this trade could be a game-changer in their pursuit of postseason success, bolstering a bullpen that had room for a high-leverage arm with closing experience. Meanwhile, fans will be watching Watts-Brown’s progression closely as Baltimore invests in its future pitching core.

The Blue Jays’ bullpen dynamics will shift as Dominguez takes on a key role immediately. His fastball velocity and experience could play a pivotal role come playoff time. Orioles fans should temper expectations for immediate MLB impact from Watts-Brown but celebrate the long-term potential gained.

This trade highlights how contending teams are sharpening their rosters while rebuilding clubs accumulate young talent, a classic July strategy. Stay tuned as the MLB trade deadline continues to shape the landscape ahead of the final stretch.