Alfonzo is the 17th best prospect in the Pirates farm system, per MLB Pipeline<\/a>, and is in Double-A Altoona, while Cruz is 18 years old and playing in the Dominican Summer League. <\/p>\n It is their first trade ahead of the deadline, as they also added left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert<\/a> from the Chicago White Sox on July 10, who is currently at Triple-A Indianapolis, and traded for right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio<\/a> back on July 23 for International Signing bonus money, who is with the Pirates.<\/p>\n What the Pirates Get in Camilo Doval<\/p>\n Doval brings experience as a closer, with 109 saves in 138 opportunities, most of those coming during his time with the San Francisco Giants, 2021-25, where he led the National League in saves, with 39 in 2023.<\/p>\n He has posted a 3-1 record in 44 appearances, a 4.54 ERA over 39.2 innings this season, 39 strikeouts to 18 walks, a .250 BAA and a 1.41 WHIP this season with the Yankees. <\/p>\n May 27, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval (75) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Doval hasn’t really worked in the closer role for the Yankees, but he could occupy that for the Pirates, who haven’t had a set closer all season.<\/p>\n He possesses great velocity, throwing a 98.6 mph cutter and a 98.8 mph cutter, while pairing those two pitches with his offspeed selections in his slider and sometimes his changeup.<\/p>\n Doval does give up a high exit velocity, with his 90.9 mph average in the bottom 7% of qualified MLB pitchers this season, and his 49.6% hard-hit rate is in the bottom 2% of qualified MLB pitchers.<\/p>\n His expected ERA is much lower, 3.61, and he does have great experience, with 341 appearances at the major league level.<\/p>\n Why Pirates Traded for Doval<\/p>\n The Pirates had reportedly shown interest<\/a> in Doval prior and it makes sense, as they need to add pitchers to their bullpen, but also have looked at some right-handed options.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh hasn’t had a really solid right-handed relief pitcher this season, as they designated both Justin Lawrence and Dennis Santana<\/a> for assignment after poor showings, and sent Isaac Mattson back down to Triple-A Indianapolis recently. <\/p>\n Jul 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana (60) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n The Pirates have also had 20 blown saves this season, the most of recent of which came in their last game, as they wasted a 7-5 lead in the eighth inning, losing 8-7 to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 31. <\/p>\n Doval doesn’t have great splits vs. left-handed hitting this season, but his career showing vs. lefties is better, .243\/.350\/.390 for an OPS of .740 and the Pirates will hope he can get them out in a new location. <\/p>\n The experience he brings is also important and his ability to fill that closer role could be huge for a Pirates team looking for anyone to do just that.<\/p>\n Pittsbugh should make a few more move ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but this one is a good start for a team looking to make their first posteason since 2015<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01kyz9kmk3e4510xw9yr.jpg\" "\\"New")
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