Camilo Doval Interested In Remaining With Giants

Right-hander Camilo Doval’s return to San Francisco went about as well as possible. The reliever struck out the side against the Dodgers on Saturday. He hit 99 mph multiple times. Doval was designated for assignment by the Pirates and claimed by the Giants earlier this week.

The Giants traded Doval to the Yankees at last year’s trade deadline. He struggled down the stretch with the club, fading out of a high-leverage role. The first half of 2026 didn’t go much better. New York sent Doval to the Pirates at this year’s trade deadline. The righty managed a sub-4.00 ERA with Pittsburgh, but walked 14 over 19 innings.

Doval is under team control through 2027. He is making a little over $6MM this season after his second trip through arbitration. He’ll likely get a slight bump from that number next year. Doval is a non-tender candidate this offseason, but wants to remain in San Francisco.

“If it were up to me, I would stay here as long as I’m pitching in the big leagues,” Doval told reporters, including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area. “This is where I want to be, and this is where I want to get back to the Camilo I was before.”

The Camilo he used to be was a borderline elite reliever. Doval debuted with the Giants in 2021. By 2022, he was the team’s primary closer. The hard-throwing righty piled up 69 saves in his first three years as a big leaguer. He led the NL with 39 saves in 2023 and earned his first career All-Star selection.

The 2024 campaign was a turning point for Doval. His walk rate exploded to 14.4%. After three straight years with a 3.00 ERA or better, Doval posted a 4.88 mark in 2024. He blew five saves and lost the closer role before the end of the season. Doval was better from a run-prevention perspective to begin 2025, though his walk rate remained above 12% and his strikeout rate continued to trend down.

For the Giants, claiming Doval suggests they’re at least considering paying the $7-8MM price tag for 2027. The club could also be looking to trade Doval once again this offseason. San Francisco spent around $195MM on this year’s roster, per our Payroll Tracker. It’s a steep price for a club that will finish with the second-worst record in the NL. President of baseball operations Buster Posey might prefer to go cheaper at closer next season.

San Francisco’s bullpen ranks 25th in xFIP and 27th in SIERA this year. High-leverage relievers Erik Miller and Caleb Kilian were moved at the trade deadline. The current unit doesn’t have many obvious choices for the 2027 bullpen. Randy Rodriguez should be back next year after missing this season due to Tommy John surgery. Veterans Jason Foley and Sam Hentges remain under contract. If he remains with the club, Doval would likely open the year as the closer, at least until Rodriguez secures the gig.