TORONTO — Leading up to the summer trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles appeared in a unique position, contemplating a fire sale despite being a team structured for postseason success. Their poor start to the season raised questions about the long-term viability of several players on expiring contracts, making them appealing targets for teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Among those players was right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez, who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays during a doubleheader at Camden Yards on July 29. Domínguez quickly embraced his new role, walking through the visiting clubhouse with a sense of determination and excitement for the journey ahead.
Now, as the Blue Jays prepare for a World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Domínguez stands out as the last remaining 2025 Orioles player still competing in the postseason. After being dealt to Toronto, he has played a crucial role in their success, culminating in an American League Championship title.
“I’m so happy and so thankful to the Blue Jays,” Domínguez expressed. “They brought me here, they believed in me, and I believe in this team, too. I know we can win the whole thing.”
The trade that sent Domínguez to Toronto for right-hander Juaron Watts-Brown was one of several notable moves during July, as several bullpen arms departed Baltimore. Each player has had varying levels of impact on their new teams; for example, while the New York Mets acquired left-hander Gregory Soto and center fielder Cedric Mullins, they ultimately missed the playoffs. Conversely, teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros added key players who contributed to their postseason runs.
Though the Blue Jays’ success cannot be solely attributed to Domínguez, the 30-year-old has excelled in his new environment. He concluded the regular season with a solid 3.00 ERA over 21 innings, and despite facing challenges during the playoffs — including a difficult outing in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series — he rebounded with a scoreless performance in Game 7, reinforcing his value to the team.
“I’m here for the team,” Domínguez emphasized. “Whatever they need from me, I’m committed to doing my best.”
Domínguez noted that, although he didn’t change his mechanics significantly upon joining the Blue Jays, his pitch selection adapted somewhat. He leaned more on his sweeper, which he developed in 2024, as his reliance on his splitter diminished.
Reflecting on the Orioles’ tumultuous season filled with injuries, particularly among starting pitchers, Domínguez acknowledged the team’s potential while expressing gratitude for his new opportunity in Toronto. “The Orioles are a really good team too, and we just didn’t get the results we expected in Baltimore,” he said. “That’s why they made those trades, and now I’m here with my new family, the team I play for, and I’m happy to be here.”
As the Blue Jays gear up for what hopes to be a championship run, Domínguez’s journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball, showcasing that new opportunities can lead to remarkable successes.