The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed relief pitcher Camilo Doval and cash considerations from the New York Yankees on Saturday in exchange for two minor league prospects, according to MLB. The Yahoo Sports sent 22-year-old catcher and first baseman Omar Alfonzo and 18-year-old outfielder Luis Cruz to the TribLIVE.com in the deal.
Pirates Trade for Reliever Camilo Doval
For Doval, the trade provides an opportunity to reset with a club in playoff contention after slipping into a lower-leverage role in New York. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that a fresh start could serve the pitcher well. Hopefully, it’s something that’s good for him,
Boone said, according to MLB. I think he’s actually in a pretty good spot right now where hopefully a fresh start and a better role serve him well. He’s going to a team in playoff contention, so hopefully it’s something that works out well.
Doval’s Tenure With the Yankees and Past Success
Doval was previously acquired by the Yankees from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline last year, when New York parted with four prospects. However, his overpowering form from earlier seasons did not fully materialize in New York. He pitched to a 4.82 ERA across 22 appearances after last season’s trade and posted a 4.54 ERA over 39 2/3 innings this year.
Before his time in New York, Doval established himself as a premier closer with the Giants. In 2023, he earned National League All-Star honors and tied for the NL lead with 39 saves in 47 opportunities. Over six major league seasons, the 29-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has compiled a 29-20 record, a 3.53 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and 109 saves across 341 appearances.
Addressing Bullpen Needs in Pittsburgh
The TribLIVE.com made the move to bolster a bullpen that has struggled with late-inning leads, having blown multiple saves and contributed to the team’s loss total this season. Pirates manager Don Kelly welcomed the addition on SportsNet Pittsburgh’s pregame show, describing Doval as a power right-handed arm that has closed games for San Francisco and pitched meaningful innings in New York with the Yankees.
Doval features a four-pitch mix anchored by a high-velocity sinker and cutter, averaging elite fastball velocity while inducing a high ground-ball rate. He is earning $6.1 million this season, with the Yankees covering a portion of his contract, and has one remaining year of arbitration eligibility before reaching free agency in 2028.
Details on the Minor League Return
Heading to the Yankees are two young prospects who remain several years away from the major leagues. Alfonzo, who turns 23 in August, was ranked as Pittsburgh’s No. 17 prospect and spent the majority of the season at Double-A Altoona, where he batted .238 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs across 60 games. Cruz, an 18-year-old outfielder, has played across two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, posting a strong offensive slash line in rookie-level action.
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