The Tampa Bay Rays lost a series to the Cleveland Guardians that further tarnishes their long-shot playoff odds. The silver lining is that Junior Caminero is a member of the Rays, not the Guardians. Cleveland actually traded this guy to the Rays a few years ago. Tampa Bay must do everything in its power to reach an extension with Junior Caminero and ensure he remains a Ray for life.
With Strong Play, Junior Caminero Angling for Extension with Rays
Hailing (Professionally) from the Midwest
Caminero, 22, was signed by the then-Indians as an international free agent in 2019. His initial foray was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before eventually debuting in the Dominican Summer League in 2021. In November 2021, Cleveland shipped him to Tampa Bay for pitcher Tobias Myers. Myers has scarcely made an impact at the MLB level since.
Caminero took some time to get acclimated to the highest level. He had a cup of coffee in seven games toward the tail end of the 2023 season, a year in which the Rays were ousted by the Texas Rangers in the AL Wild Card round. 2024 saw Caminero start at Triple-A Durham and endure a pair of quad injuries. When he played 43 games with the Rays, he posted a .248/.299/.424 with six home runs and 18 RBI.
The Rays Have A Franchise Building Block
It set up a rather interesting 2025. Could Caminero seriously be an everyday player? He certainly made the highlight reels during the winter with his game-winning home run in the Dominican Professional Baseball League championship series. It was such a dramatic celebration that some observers wondered whether that style of baseball could occur at the highest level.
Junior. Caminero. Go-ahead home run in game 7 of the LIDOM Championship. 114 mph, 456 feet. Pandemonium. pic.twitter.com/sj38L9SDmM
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) January 28, 2025
Well, it has occurred. Caminero currently trots out a .259/.301/.539 slash line with an eye-popping 39 home runs and 94 RBI. He introduced himself to a national audience with his performance in the 2025 Home Run Derby, falling to the monster Cal Raleigh in the final round. Caminero’s avg exit velo, barrel, and hard-hit % have all been impressive. His hard-hit rate has been the most appealing metric that ranks in the 88th percentile at 50.3%. His bat speed (78.4) ranks in the 100th percentile. Having said that, his walk and chase rates are not exactly where one would want them to be. He has a 5.8% walk rate while whiffing at a sky-high 25.4% rate. It shows how the youngster is still not a finished product. Overall, his power and ability to hit for extra bases are why this man could be paid very handsomely.
Junior Caminero’s bat speed often gets talked about as a primary source of his power, but why else does it stand out?
Among the top 10 in Avg. Bat Speed, his K% of 20.4% would be the 2nd lowest, and among players who average 77+ MPH, it’s the lowest K% by 5.4%.#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/IuKa3BxvqQ
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) August 28, 2025
Will The Rays Keep This Guy?
The chatter around this topic has been increasing slightly in recent months. Caminero’s agent, Rafa Nieves, spoke to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times recently about how his client hasn’t been approached by the Rays because of “question marks” surrounding their financial future. Nieves went on to say, “And, honestly, by the time they’re out of those question marks, it might be too late.”
The Rays are thrilled with the production this 22-year-old is giving them and would like to solidify their future as much as possible. He won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2028 and a free agent until after the 2030 season. Why not buy out a couple of arbitration years and squeeze the most out of a young talent? The Rays infamously tried this with Wander Franco, and unfortunately, they chose the wrong individual. Maybe they are convinced Caminero is different. Plus, the price is cheaper before he continues putting up more ridiculous production.
New ownership may see this as an opportunity to make an early strike from a financial perspective. Rays fans are really excited about what the future holds with the young players. Caminero could be the face of the franchise that fans have been desperately waiting for.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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