Jorge Castillo writes that the Pittsburgh Pirates, eager to end an 11‑year postseason drought, have agreed to acquire reliever Camilo Doval from the New York Yankees, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Yankees will pick up part of Doval’s salary and receive minor‑league catcher Omar Alfonzo and outfielder Luis Cruz in return. Doval, the 29‑year‑old All‑Star closer for the San Francisco Giants in 2023, is a high‑ceiling, low‑floor enigma.

His cutter reaches tapping 101 mph,[str]his sinker sits at 98 mph, and his slider is wicked, but the arm talent has not translated into consistent results. He surrendered multiple hits and/or walks in 15 of his 44 outings and was charged with multiple runs six times, compiling a 4.54 ERA. The Yankees moved him to a low‑leverage role by June, yet their bullpen ranked first in ERA and seventh in Win Probability Added.

The Pirates have a 55‑56 record, 2½ games out of the NL wild‑card spot, with a strong rotation led by reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and a potent offense, but their bullpen is ranked 23rd in ERA. By adding Doval, Pittsburgh hopes to unearth the first version of the pitcher and secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2015.