Yankees' Aaron Boone 'optimistic' on Camilo Doval's potential in 2026

Jared Bloom

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Yankees' Aaron Boone 'optimistic' on Camilo Doval's potential in 2026 image

During the 2025 trade deadline, the New York Yankees made some moves to help strengthen the bullpen. One of the moves they made was acquiring Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants. 

However, he did not perform as expected initially. He had fits of struggles, allowing 10 runs in his first 16 games. 

Toward the end of the regular season, Doval would return to his usual self. He tallied six straight scoreless innings and parlayed that into some great outings in the postseason. Now, he is expected to play a much bigger role in 2026. 

MORE: Yankees No. 16 prospect expected to make a huge jump in 2026

Yankees' Aaron Boone 'optimistic' on Camilo Doval's potential in 2026

The Yankees are expected to give the ball to David Bednar in the ninth inning to close out games. Doval is expected to be the setup man, allowing Bednar to get to the ninth inning. 

Bronx Bombers manager Aaron Boone is excited to see what Doval can bring to the table in 2026. Per NY Daily News' Gary Phillips, he is'optimistic' that Doval can bring how he finished the 2025 season into 2026. 

"I know just in talking to our pitching guys, it seems like he's had a really good, efficient winter in terms of communication and throwing program and getting himself ready to go. So I'm really optimistic on what Camilo is going to do for us, just based on how we were able to finish with him and from what I'm hearing about his winter so far."

Boone reveals that Doval has had an excellent winter thus far, particularly in his throwing program and communication with the club. He has his manager feeling good about where he is and the shape of the bullpen. So, don't be surprised if the hard-throwing righty comes into the new season locked in from the get-go. 

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Contributing Writer