The Toronto Blue Jays made several moves to solidify the back end of their bullpen at the 2025 trade deadline. The biggest decision in the final stretch of the season will be who manager John Schneider trusts in the late innings.

We know Jeff Hoffman has locked down the closer role, earning the ninth-inning assignment. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last seven outings, giving the team a reliable finisher.

But who sets him up? With Yimi García and Nick Sandlin not expected back anytime soon, the spotlight turns to other arms. Let’s break down the leading candidates to handle the setup role and key high-leverage situations for the Blue Jays bullpen.

When talking about reliability in 2025, many Blue Jays fans immediately point to Yariel Rodríguez. After being forced into the rotation last season, it’s easy to forget he was originally signed as a high-leverage reliever.

This season, Rodríguez has appeared in 52 games, logging 59.1 innings with a 3.19 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and a 1.045 WHIP. His 8.2 K/9 and 1.1 WAR lead all Blue Jays relievers.

What makes Rodríguez so valuable is his performance in high-leverage spots. In 11.2 innings of such situations, he has held hitters to a .121 batting average, allowing just six earned runs (only one via home run). He also ranks second on the team in holds, behind Brendon Little, proving his ability to protect slim leads.

Given Toronto’s tough September schedule, Rodríguez may be the most trusted arm outside of Hoffman to shut down the middle of opposing lineups.

The first major bullpen addition at the trade deadline, Seranthony Domínguez, has had an up-and-down start with Toronto. Since being acquired from the Orioles, he has struck out nine batters in 7 1/3 innings, but his 1.500 WHIP is his highest since 2019, albeit the small sample size.

Despite the rocky numbers, Domínguez still has the tools to be trusted in the seventh or eighth inning. In high-leverage situations, he has held opponents to a .179 batting average. His command remains an issue with a 14.3% walk rate, but his 30% strikeout rate offsets that weakness.

Being traded midseason is nothing new for Domínguez, and with pitching coach Pete Walker helping refine his approach, he could emerge as a reliable setup option down the stretch.

Since arriving from the Cubs in 2023, Brendon Little has carved out an important role as the Blue Jays’ top left-handed reliever. In 60 games this season, he owns a 2.96 ERA with 77 strikeouts—leading all Toronto bullpen arms.

Little’s success comes from generating whiffs with his knuckle curveball and sinker, making him a tough matchup for left-handed hitters. With Mason Fluharty still developing, Little continues to shoulder the late-inning lefty responsibilities.

The biggest concern is his command and his late-season struggles as of late. Despite holding opponents to a .149 average in high-leverage situations (entering yesterday’s game), his 1.37 WHIP is the highest among Toronto relievers with at least 20 innings pitched. Fine-tuning with Pete Walker and left-hander Eric Lauer carving out some relief innings to assist could help him cut down on walks and become even more reliable as October approaches.

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