Should Orioles reunite with flamethrowing reliever in free agency?

In return, the Orioles received pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown — a 2023 third-round pick who now ranks No. 13 in their farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. Domínguez, meanwhile, closed out the regular season with a 3.00 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 10.7 K/9 across 21 innings to help Toronto capture the division title.

Despite yielding a grand slam after inheriting two runners in Game 5 of the ALCS, Domínguez has pitched well overall this postseason. He notably tossed a scoreless inning in ALCS Game 7 to help the Blue Jays win the pennant and escaped a bases-loaded jam in Game 6 of the World Series.

According to Statcast, Domínguez placed in the 93rd percentile for expected batting average against (.204) and the 94th percentile for whiff rate (33.3%) in 2025. He averaged 97.7 mph on his fastball but found the most success with his 86.4 mph sweeper (+4 run value) and 87.2 mph splitter (+3) — a pitch he developed to replace his changeup.

Its usage jumped from 11.3% in May to above 27% in the summer months as opponents struggled to a .114 batting average against it.

Read More: Orioles sign emerging right-handed reliever to MLB deal

Baltimore made its first bullpen-related move on Thursday, retaining right-hander Rico Garcia on a one-year major league contract. The club still has room to add multiple relief arms to complement Keegan Akin, Albert Suárez, and Yennier Cano, who may not be a lock after posting a 5.12 ERA in 65 appearances this past season.

Not only would bringing back Domínguez give the Orioles a much-needed high-leverage arm with closing experience, they likely would not have to break the bank to get him. Spotrac projects that he will sign a three-year deal with an estimated market value of $10.7 million per year.