Yankees trade former all-star to the Pirates

The New York Yankees have made a move ahead of the MLB trade deadline, parting ways with former All-Star closer Camilo Doval in a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The trade, first reported by MLB insider Jeff Passan, comes just two days before the deadline as both clubs continue reshaping their rosters for the remainder of the season.

While Doval never found the consistency the Yankees had hoped for, the Pirates are betting that a change of scenery can help the hard-throwing right-hander rediscover the form that once made him one of baseball’s premier late-inning relievers.

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Doval’s Time in New York Comes to an End

The Yankees acquired Doval from the Giants last season with the expectation that his electric arm could become a key piece of their bullpen.

Instead, things never quite clicked in New York.

Despite possessing elite velocity and the ability to generate strikeouts at an impressive rate, Doval struggled to establish himself in high-leverage situations. His flashes of dominance were overshadowed by inconsistency, leading the Yankees to move in a different direction before this year’s trade deadline.

Now, he’ll head to Pittsburgh looking for a fresh start.

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Pirates Take a Chance on High-Upside Reliever

Jun 27, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval (75) pitches during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Pirates have been searching for bullpen help, making Doval an intriguing addition.

Although his recent results have been uneven, his raw talent remains undeniable. Few relievers can match his combination of velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, giving Pittsburgh reason to believe he can return to being an impact arm with a change in environment.

If the Pirates can help Doval regain his confidence and command, they may have landed one of the more intriguing bullpen additions of the deadline.

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Yankees Add Young Talent

In return, the Yankees receive minor leaguers Omar Alfonzo and Luis Cruz from the Pirates, according to reporter Francys Romero.

While neither player is expected to contribute immediately, the move gives New York two young prospects to develop as the organization continues balancing its pursuit of a championship with building for the future.

For the Yankees, the trade represents an opportunity to move on from a reliever who never fully lived up to expectations. For the Pirates, it’s a low-risk gamble on a former All-Star with the talent to become a difference-maker once again.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, this likely won’t be the last move either team makes as they continue shaping their rosters for the remainder of the 2026 season.

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