The Toronto Blue Jays acquired shutdown reliever Seranthony Dominguez from Baltimore in exchange for top prospect Juaron Watts‑Brown. Explore the trade impact, Watts‑Brown’s prospect profile, Orioles schedule implications, and how Domínguez fits into Toronto’s playoff push.
⚾ Background & Trade Overview
On July 29, 2025, between games of a doubleheader in Baltimore, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired right hander Seranthony Dominguez and cash from the Baltimore Orioles, sending Juaron Watts Brown, ranked Toronto’s No. 10 prospect, to Baltimore in return.
This bold move enhances buzzing Toronto’s bullpen as they chase the AL East lead, while the Orioles continue their sell-off amid a down season.
Seranthony Dominguez: Role & Recent Performance
- Reliever from the Dominican Republic, on May 2018 he made his debut with the Phillies and joined Baltimore in a 2024 trade. He has a career ERA of 3.55 , 40 saves and 332 strikeouts in 298 games.
2025 Season
- Before the trade: 3.24 ERA, 2 saves, 54 strikeouts in 43 appearances and an average fastball reaching 97.8 mph.
- Recently deployed as closing option when closer Félix Bautista rested, picking up multiple saves and holds.
- Domínguez’s splitter usage has grown—with a .068 average against and ~70% whiff rate, outperforming his sweeper and sinker in effectiveness.
Orioles Status
- Though occasionally sidelined due to back discomfort, the Orioles continued juggling bullpen roles with Felix Bautista available and other arms returning health wise.
Juaron Watts‑Brown: Up-and-Coming Jonathan Prospect
Prospect Profile
- RHP Juaron Watts‑Brown, aged 23, 6′3″, drafted in 2023’s 3rd round from Oklahoma State, is admired for his high‑usage slider and strikeout ability.
- Ranked among Toronto’s Top 30 prospects, typically around #10–17 by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America.
2025 Performance
- Began season in High‑A Vancouver, then earned a call‑up to Double‑A New Hampshire where he recorded a dominant 10‑strikeout, six‑inning shutout performance in May.
- Across 19 starts in both levels he posted ERAs between 3.43–3.54, with an impressive strikeout rate (~30%) and opponent batting average around .209.
- Scouts note fringe control issues and high walk rates, but his four-pitch mix gives him high upside potential as a starter or high-leverage reliever.
Trade Implications: Orioles Schedule & Team Direction
For The Blue Jays
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Toronto bolstered its relief corps by obtaining a key late inning pitcher, crucial for a team contending in a competitive AL East, given their average ERA and WHIP.
- Dominguez provides experience behind closer tandem, reinforcing playoff readiness.
For The Orioles
- Baltimore received a high potential arm in Watts Brown, aiding their future rebuild amid a disappointing season (last in AL East).
- With core players like Rutschman and Mullins hitting well, they continue roster turnover and youth integration on their schedule.
Orioles Schedule Context
- Baltimore opened a four game series vs Blue Jays with an 11‑4 win, featuring powerful hitting from Mullins, Mayo, Rutschman, Laureano and Westburg.
- As Orioles continue to play out the season, their usage of prospects like Watts Brown will increase in their final schedule games.
Strategic Fit: Dominguez in Blue Jays Bullpen
- Toronto’s bullpen ERA ranked 17th in MLB entering the deal; Domínguez’s high velocity and splitter offer a wrinkles for critical late‑inning leverage scenarios.
- His fastball averages near 98 mph, complementing his slider and splitter arsenal.
- With dominant recent performances, he becomes a reliable bridge or even closer option if needed.
Seranthony Domínguez was traded between games of the Blue Jays-Orioles doubleheader
He walked past his old teammates to get to the Blue Jays bullpen 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PVMgOIbBoL
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2025
Blue Jays Top Prospects: How Watts Brown Ranked
- MLB Pipeline and Baseball America placed Watss-Brown within Toronto’s Top 10–17 prospects in mid-2025.
- Blue Jays Nation’s multiple countdowns ranked him between #11 and #31 prospect depending on publication datebut consistently recognized his breakout potential.
- Despite control concerns, his high whiff slider and fastball command drew optimism from scouts.
Orioles Schedule & Player Usage Going Forward
- Post-trade, Orioles appear to lean into youth, planning increased usage of prospects as they prepare future pitching depth.
- With series vs Blue Jays showing offensive pops (Mullins, Rutschman, Westburg, Cowser) in their schedule, Baltimore hopes to build momentum despite standings.