Orioles Trade Dominguez to Blue Jays for Pitching Prospect

The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles made a deal between games of their doubleheader, with the Orioles sending reliever Seranthony Dominguez and cash to Toronto. In return, the Orioles received pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown. Both teams confirmed the trade.

To make room on the roster, the Blue Jays designated veteran Chad Green for assignment.

Dominguez Adds Power to Toronto Bullpen

Seranthony Dominguez, 30, is in the final year of his contract and earning $8 million this season. He joined Baltimore at the 2024 trade deadline from the Phillies and has become a key arm in the Orioles’ bullpen. In 41 2/3 innings this year, Dominguez has posted a 3.24 ERA, with a strong 30.9% strikeout rate. However, his 13.7% walk rate has been a concern.

Despite the walks, Dominguez remains a high-level reliever. His fastball averages nearly 98 mph, and he’s added a splitter and curveball to his mix this season. He’s recorded 13 holds, 2 saves, and 3 blown saves, often being called on in high-pressure situations. Overall, he has 40 career saves and 71 holds since debuting with the Phillies in 2018.

Toronto’s bullpen had been solid, ranking seventh in MLB with a 3.72 ERA before giving up 12 runs in the first game of their doubleheader against Baltimore. That included two runs allowed by backup catcher Ali Sanchez in mop-up duty. The Jays have had good relief performances from Yariel Rodriguez, Brendon Little, and Braydon Fisher. Jeff Hoffman has improved since a rough outing in May, and veteran Yimi Garcia has dealt with injuries but owns a 3.86 ERA in limited action.

Jays Still Looking for More Help

The Blue Jays aren’t done making moves. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the team is still looking to upgrade the bullpen and add starting pitching. They’ve shown interest in names like White Sox starter Dylan Cease and Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, though Kwan is seen as unlikely to be traded.

In their search for upgrades, the Jays have been open to trade offers involving young players who already have some MLB experience. However, they were able to land Dominguez without giving up any of their major league talent.

Orioles Get Promising Prospect in Watts-Brown

In return, the Orioles added 23-year-old Juaron Watts-Brown, Toronto’s third-round pick in the 2023 draft. Watts-Brown, a former Oklahoma State pitcher, has split the 2024 season between High-A and Double-A. He’s posted a 3.54 ERA in 89 innings, with a solid 30.5% strikeout rate but a high 10.1% walk rate.

Ranked No. 14 among Blue Jays prospects by Baseball America, Watts-Brown throws in the low-to-mid 90s and features a strong slider and curveball. Some scouts believe his command issues could lead to a future in the bullpen, but the Orioles plan to continue developing him as a starter — especially with limited upper-level pitching depth in their farm system.

Watts-Brown has walked over 11% of batters in Double-A and hit four batters in 51 innings. If he can sharpen his control, he could be a rotation option as soon as 2026.

Orioles Continue Deadline Sell-Off

Dominguez is the third Orioles reliever traded this month. Baltimore dealt Bryan Baker to the Rays before the All-Star break and sent Gregory Soto to the Mets last week. With the team falling short of expectations this season, they’re moving on from veterans headed for free agency.

Other Orioles expected to hit the open market after this season — like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, Zach Eflin, and Charlie Morton — could also be on the move before the trade deadline.