Yankees trade struggling reliever Camilo Doval to Pirates for two prospects

The New York Yankees have traded struggling reliever Camilo Doval to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple reports, in a move that reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to refine their bullpen. The Yankees received Double-A catcher Omar Alfonzo and Dominican Summer League outfielder Luis Cruz in exchange for the 29-year-old right-hander, who has struggled to maintain his 2023 All-Star form since joining New York. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and confirmed by multiple sources, is still pending official confirmation.

Doval, acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a high-profile 2025 deadline trade, was expected to serve as a late-inning weapon for the Yankees. Instead, he posted a 4.54 ERA over 39 2/3 innings in 2026, with his performance against left-handed hitters raising concerns. Opponents batted .360 against him with a .999 OPS, a stark contrast to his 2023 All-Star season. His strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 21.9%, and he allowed a career-high six home runs, leading to his relegation to low-leverage situations. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Doval’s talent but noted the challenges of his recent struggles, stating, “He’s a guy with a lot of ability. Hopefully, he goes there and it’s a fresh start for him.”

The Pirates, who are competing for a National League wild card, are taking a chance on Doval’s potential. The team will assume $750,000 of his $2 million remaining salary through 2027, a financial arrangement that reflects their belief in his ability to rebound. The Yankees, meanwhile, plan to promote prospect Yovanny Cruz to fill Doval’s spot, though they remain active in the trade market for a high-leverage reliever. The return for Doval—a 22-year-old catcher and an 18-year-old outfielder—falls short of the package the Yankees surrendered to the Giants in 2025, which included prospects Carlos De La Rosa, Parks Harber, and Jesús Rodríguez.

Alfonzo, the Pirates’ 17th-ranked prospect, has a .239 batting average and nine home runs in 60 games at Double-A Altoona, while Cruz, a top-100 prospect in the Pirates’ system, has shown power with a .313 average and seven steals in the Dominican Summer League. The trade also has ripple effects beyond the Yankees’ immediate needs. The New York Mets, who have been evaluating trade options for reliever Huascar Brazoban, may now face a higher bar for potential deals, according to Rising Apple’s analysis. The article noted that Doval’s modest return signals that teams may demand more for players with longer control and better performance, citing Brazoban’s 2.60 ERA and two years of team control as a contrast.

The Yankees’ bullpen, which posted the majors’ lowest ERA (2.96) entering the trade, has seen breakout performances from players like Brent Headrick and Angel Chivilli. However, the team remains focused on acquiring a high-leverage arm before the deadline. For the Pirates, the trade represents a gamble on a pitcher with a high ceiling but a recent track record of inconsistency. Their decision to take on Doval’s salary and potential may reflect confidence in their coaching staff to address his mechanical issues, though it raises questions about their long-term strategy, as they now hold a player with a $6.1 million salary for 2026 and a 2027 club option.