At the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, the San Francisco Giants traded their closer Camilo Doval to the New York Yankees, sparking reactions from fans and former players alike. Among them, former Giants outfielder Hunter Pence shared his candid thoughts on the trade, discussing Doval’s strengths and challenges in his new role with the Yankees. This Camilo Doval Yankees trade marks a significant shift for both teams as the season progresses.

Camilo Doval’s Performance and Role Transition

During his five seasons with the Giants, Doval established himself as a formidable closer, recording 107 saves and striking out 332 batters across 268 innings. Despite his dominance, the 28-year-old right-hander sometimes faced struggles with command, leading to occasional inconsistent outings. Pence, who works as a color analyst for Giants broadcasts on NBC Sports Bay Area, acknowledged these moments while praising Doval’s resilience under pressure.

“I love Doval,” Pence said.

“It’s going to be interesting to see him in New York. He is a guy that when he throws strikes….he’s unhittable. There’s a bit of a command issue…so it’ll be fun to see with the Yankees’ press. I think he gets better the more the pressure mounts, because he’s one of those guys that doesn’t care what’s going on. He’s neutral.”

—Hunter Pence, Former Giants Outfielder and Color Analyst

Giants’ Return in the Trade and Other Deadline Moves

In return for Doval, the Giants acquired catcher Jesús Rodriguez, right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling, infielder Parks Harber, and left-handed pitcher Carlos De La Rosa. This trade was part of the Giants’ efforts to retool their roster before the deadline. Minutes before the 3 p.m. PT deadline, the Giants also traded outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to the Kansas City Royals in another strategic move.

Implications for the Giants and Yankees as Season Progresses

The departure of Camilo Doval closes a chapter for the Giants’ bullpen, while the Yankees add a hard-throwing closer who could become a key factor in late-game situations. For Doval, adjusting to the pressures and expectations in New York will be vital, something Pence suggests he is well-equipped to handle. Meanwhile, the Giants look to integrate their new players and refocus after a difficult July, hoping the trade deadline moves contribute positively to their season’s outcome.