Yankees trading struggling reliever Camilo Doval to Pirates

New York Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees trading struggling reliever Camilo Doval to Pirates

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 1, 2026 3:01 PM ET

When the New York Yankees acquired reliever Camilo Doval just before the 2025 MLB trade deadline had passed, many hoped he'd be a lockdown reliever in the backend of the bullpen.

A failed tenure in New York has now led to Doval being traded for a second time in as many seasons.

Camilo Doval is headed to Pittsburgh

According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, Doval is headed from New York to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In return, the Yankees will be receiving catching prospect Omar Alfonzo and outfield prospect Luis Cruz. Alfonzo was the No. 17 ranked prospect in the Pirates organization, while Cruz was not ranked.

Trade news: The Pittsburgh Pirates are acquiring right-handed reliever Camilo Doval from the New York Yankees for two prospects, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2026

Camilo Doval has struggled this season

In 44 appearances, Doval has pitched to a 4.54 ERA and a -0.8 WAR. Ever since a blowup outing on April 1, Doval's ERA has hovered from 4.5-5.5, and it has not come down and recovered from that outing.

It was evident that a change of scenery might be needed and that has finally happened with the trade to the Pirates.

Can Camilo Doval find his form and help a struggling bullpen?

Entering action on Saturday, Pittsburgh's bullpen ranks 11th in the National League and 23rd in all of baseball. Its 21 saves are tied for the third fewest in baseball.

Despite bullpen struggles and an injury riddled season, the Pirates entered Saturday just 2 1/2 games out of the third NL wild-card spot.

Doval returning to the dominant closer he once was could be a big step forward toward Pittsburgh making a late-season playoff push.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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