CINCINNATI — The Pirates have made their first splash of the Trade Deadline, acquiring right-handed reliever Camilo Doval from the Yankees in exchange for prospects Omar Alfonzo and Luis Cruz, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The teams have not confirmed the report.
Doval is a flamethrower who never found a groove in the Bronx after coming over at last year’s Deadline. The 29-year-old is under club control through the 2027 season.
Before going to New York, Doval was one of the top closers in the National League with the Giants. He made the All-Star Game in 2023 and led baseball in saves with 39.
This season, Doval posted a 4.54 ERA in 39 2/3 innings for the Yankees, primarily in a setup role. Pittsburgh was in serious need of a right-handed reliever, having used Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto as their top bullpen options, both coming from the left side. The Pirates have blown 20 save opportunities in 41 attempts.
Alfonzo was the Pirates’ No. 17 prospect per MLB Pipeline, while Cruz was unranked. Cruz is an 18-year-old still in rookie-affiliated baseball, acting as a possible lottery ticket type piece in the deal. Alfonzo was Double-A Altoona’s catcher. Pittsburgh had five catchers among their top 30 prospects, with Alfonzo having been the lowest-ranked.
