Pirates Cut Ties With Trade Deadline Acquisition

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates had a solid trade deadline, but they already decided one of their additions isn't worth keeping around for next year.

The Pirates designated right-handed relief pitcher Camilo Doval for assignment, as they reinstated fellow right-handed relief pitcher Kirby Yates from the 15-day injured list on Sept. 22.

Pittsburgh acquired Doval in a trade with the New York Yankees on Aug. 1, two days before the trade deadline, sending prospects, 23-year-old catcher Omar Alfonzo and 18-year-old outfielder Luis Cruz.

The Pirates traded for Doval as a low-risk, high-reward addition to their bullpen, which needed new pitchers to fix a poor unit the first four months of 2026.

Doval joined the Pirates with a pedigree, spending four seasons as the San Francisco Giants closer from 2022 to 2025, and earning National League All-Star honors in 2023, when he led with 39 saves.

He wasn't terrible with the Pirates, but not special either, posting a 3.79 ERA over 19 innings pitched in 20 outings, with a .271 batting average allowed and a 1.74 WHIP.

The Pirates likely made the decision, as Doval is headed into his final year of arbitration this offseason and made $6.1 million this season, with an even higher salary for next year.

Instead of non-tendering him, Pittsburgh moves on from Doval now and will look to bolster the bullpen elsewhere in the winter.