Yankees Trade Struggling Reliever to Pirates

ESPN's Jeff Passan had the trade and MLB insider Francys Romero had the return.

The Yankees are seeking high-leverage bullpen help, but were looking to dump Doval to another team given his struggles. New York intends to promote reliever Yovanny Cruz to replace Doval in their bullpen, per The New York Post.

The Yankees acquired Doval from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for minor leaguers Trystan Vrieling, Jesus Rodriguez, Parks Harber and Carlos De La Rosa at last year's MLB trade deadline.

However, Doval, a 2023 All-Star, was a major disappointment for the Yankees. Despite being brought in to serve as the setup man to closer David Bednar, Doval had a 4.63 ERA in 66 appearances with the Yankees. Doval has a 4.54 ERA and has struggled with walks (4.1 BB per nine) this season.

The Pirates will be hoping that Doval can turn things around for their team down the stretch and help them make the postseason for the first time since 2015. The right-hander is making $6.1 million this year and is under control next year as well.

Pittsburgh recently acquired reliever Ron Marinaccio from the San Diego Padres and designated Dennis Santana for assignment.

The Pirates will likely be looking for additional bullpen help as the trade deadline approaches on Monday at 6 pm ET. Bullpen has been the Pirates' biggest weakness (23rd in MLB) in 2026.

Pittsburgh enters play on Saturday with a 55-56 record, but they're just 2.5 games back of the third and final wild-card spot in the National League.