Orioles Trade Seranthony Dominguez to Blue Jays for Prospects

In a significant trade executed on July 29, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles have sent right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league right-hander Juaron Watts-Brown. The deal, announced by both teams, comes as the Orioles look to reshape their roster amid a disappointing season and the Blue Jays seek to bolster their bullpen as they pursue playoff contention.

Dominguez, 30, has had a noteworthy season, posting a 3.24 ERA over 41 2/3 innings with a strikeout rate of 30.9% but a concerning walk rate of 13.7%. He has been a reliable option for the Orioles, tallying 13 holds and two saves, and has been frequently utilized in high-leverage situations, second only to closer Felix Bautista. Despite command issues, his fastball has reached impressive velocities, sitting at 97.7 mph with his four-seamer and 97.9 mph with his sinker, according to Statcast.

This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises. For the Orioles, it is part of a broader strategy to offload players with expiring contracts, as they have previously traded Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays and Gregory Soto to the New York Mets this month. As stated by Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Orioles are likely to see further departures of veterans such as Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins as they prepare for a rebuilding phase.

On the other hand, the Blue Jays' bullpen had entered the day ranked seventh in the majors with a collective 3.72 ERA, but their performance was marred by a recent game in which they surrendered 12 runs. The acquisition of Dominguez is aimed at strengthening their bullpen as they continue to compete in the American League East, where they are currently vying for playoff positioning.

Juaron Watts-Brown, the prospect acquired by the Orioles, was selected by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 2023 draft. The 23-year-old has demonstrated potential, posting a combined 3.54 ERA across High-A and Double-A levels this season, alongside a strikeout rate of 30.5%. However, he has also struggled with command issues, evidenced by a 10.1% walk rate.

The Orioles’ decision to trade Dominguez reflects their acknowledgment of the team’s current trajectory; after falling short of expectations this season, they are in the process of re-evaluating their roster and future strategy. Moving forward, the Orioles will focus on developing younger talent like Watts-Brown, who may eventually contribute at the major league level. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will look to integrate Dominguez into their bullpen as they aim for a deeper postseason run. The implications of this trade extend beyond the immediate season, as both teams navigate their respective paths toward success in the highly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.