Seranthony Dominguez contract headlines MLB discussions this week as the Toronto Blue Jays secured the hard-throwing right-hander from the Baltimore Orioles on July 29, 2025. This high-profile bullpen move arrives just hours before the trade deadline, marking a pivotal shift for both teams and bolstering Toronto’s push toward October.
Dominguez, 30, joins the Blue Jays after appearing in 43 games for Baltimore this season. He posted a 2-3 record, earned two saves, and maintained an impressive 3.24 ERA with 54 strikeouts across 41.2 innings—a strikeout rate positioning him among the more reliable late-inning arms in the league. His acquisition comes at a crucial moment, as Toronto aims to maintain its American League East lead with playoff ambitions firmly in sight.
On the contractual front, Dominguez is pitching under an $8,000,000 salary in 2025, the final guaranteed season of a two-year, $7.25 million deal originally signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. The contract includes a $500,000 buyout attached to a club option, making Dominguez a true “rental” as he heads to free agency after this season. In previous years, he’s proven his value with both the Phillies and Orioles, tallying a career 3.54 ERA, 40 saves, and 335 strikeouts over 285 innings.
Trade Details and Contract Impact
Here’s how the transaction breaks down:
- Acquired by Blue Jays: Seranthony Dominguez, RHP, plus cash considerations
- Sent to Orioles: Juaron Watts-Brown (No. 10 Toronto prospect, RHP, age 23)
- Salary Status: Dominguez will finish 2025 as a Blue Jay, with cash from Baltimore offsetting part of his remaining salary.
Toronto’s bullpen has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, ranking near the middle of the MLB in reliever ERA. Dominguez’s powerful fastball and playoff experience give the Jays another trusted arm as the postseason looms. He’s especially effective against right-handed hitters and brings a 30.9% strikeout rate to the Rogers Centre—outpacing most of his new teammates.
What This Means for The Blue Jays and Dominguez
- Toronto strengthens its pen with a proven, high-leverage reliever capable of handling late-inning pressure.
- The Blue Jays cover at least part of Dominguez’s remaining salary, thanks to included cash considerations from Baltimore.
- Dominguez, a free agent after 2025, has a compelling platform to showcase his skills ahead of open market negotiations.
- For Baltimore, the trade provides a boost to their prospect pipeline by landing Watts-Brown, whose strikeout acumen has stood out in Double-A and High-A ball in 2025.
Quick Contract Table for Dominguez
| Year | Team | Status | Base Salary | Free Agent Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Blue Jays (from Orioles) | Club Option | $8,000,000 | 2026 |
What’s Next for Seranthony Dominguez?
The Blue Jays’ management is expected to utilize Dominguez in high-leverage scenarios, especially while fellow reliever Yimi Garcia remains sidelined with injury. The move signals Toronto’s determination to shore up its bullpen for the final two months of regular season play and a hopeful deep postseason run.
For Dominguez, these upcoming weeks offer a spotlight to boost his value entering free agency. If his recent form continues, he’ll likely be a coveted name on the 2026 market, whether returning to the AL East or exploring new destinations.
Whether you’re a Jays fan excited about the playoff race or following Dominguez’s career, share your thoughts below—how do you think this contract move will affect Toronto’s postseason chances?