Cubs linked to top free agent reliever Seranthony Dominguez |
Dustin Riese
· · 1 hour ago
As impressive as the Cubs' bullpen was last season, and it was impressive most of the season, Jed Hoyer was never content with leaving things as they were. That is why he spent so much time searching the trade market at the deadline to acquire some additional bullpen arms.
Although Andrew Kittredge, Taylor Rogers, and Michael Soroka were the only additions this team made, the Cubs had their toes dipped in a ton of places as they were trying to figure out the best ways to add to their roster. One of the names they targeted at the deadline, only to come up empty, happens to be a free agent this season, and the Cubs have already been linked to him as a possible right-hander fit in Seranthony Domínguez. Listed as a top-50 free agent, No. 46 to be exact, the Cubs are one of four teams linked to Dominguez right now, and depending on what report you look at, they are the favorites to land him in free agency. Considering the Cubs only have two relievers under contract for 2026, adding Dominguez would be a significant acquisition for this team, as he would provide them with bullpen flexibility in the late innings. Initially a Philadelphia Phillie when he broke into the league in 2018, the now 30-year-old Dominguez has been around the game for a while, filling various bullpen roles along the way. He has now pitched in 322 career games since making his 2018 debut and has done so with a 3.50 ERA, which may not be the best, but is still solid enough to be trusted in key situations. With a 23-23 record, Dominguez has proven to be trusted late in games and in extra innings, as well as being trusted to hold leads in the late innings if necessary. While he has 40 career saves to date, 16 of those came during his first season with the Phillies. Dominguez has been used more as a setup man and now has more than 100 career holds since assuming that role on a more permanent basis. After spending six seasons with the Phillies, Dominguez was traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the 2024 season and was then traded from them to Toronto during the 2025 season. Looking back at his performance last year, Dominguez was an extremely active pitcher on the mound, appearing in 67 games, 43 with the Orioles and 24 with the Blue Jays. In those games, Dominguez posted a 4-4 record with an ERA hovering right around the 3.00 range. He added two saves to go with 26 holds this season as he once again proved to be a key reliever in the late innings. While his 36 walks in 69 innings were a concern, especially down the stretch, he also struck out 79 batters, which demonstrates his ability to be dominant at times. As consistent as he has been during the regular season, it's the postseason where he stands out the most, and that alone is what everyone is looking for. Up to this point, Dominguez has appeared in 29 postseason games, totaling 29 innings with an impressive 1.86 ERA. He has walked 15 and struck out 37 while going 4-0 in the process. That included a 3.18 ERA over 12 games this past postseason with a 2-0 mark. When you look at him on the mound, you immediately see the deception in his arm, which often makes things tough on the hitter. His fastball sits in the 95-96 MPH range while he mixes in a lethal 87 mph slider that works as a legitimate strikeout pitch. As is the case for every free agent target, money could be the deciding factor, as the Cubs haven't spent the money they should be spending in free agency. According to initial reports, Dominguez is expected to fetch a two- or three-year contract worth anywhere from 25-40 million dollars. That may seem steep for a reliever, but when you look at how consistent he has been and his success in the postseason, a deal like that could be worth it. Expect the Cubs to be in on a lot of relievers, especially high-leverage guys, as Dominguez is another one of those guys on that list.
