Earlier in the game, he had already tested the wall with a 442-foot double. By the end of the championship-clinching game, Caminero was 4-for-5 with three extra-base hits and three runs scored.
An all-time home run trot from Junior Caminero with an incredible call to match. pic.twitter.com/N7d3WhqqXj
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 28, 2025
His standout performance in LIDOM, where he batted .418 with 13 doubles, four home runs, and 24 RBIs across 31 games, further solidified his status as one of the most exciting prospects in baseball. With spring training on the horizon, Caminero is ready to take the next step toward stardom in 2025. Even Jim Bowden of The Athletic is on board with the hype.
Junior Caminero Could Be MLB’s Next All-Star
“Caminero and his elite bat speed are ready for a breakout season that will probably include his first All-Star appearance. He’s torn up the Dominican Winter League with Leones del Escogido. Even impressing his manager, MLB great Albert Pujols, so much that he described him to me as ‘a future Hall of Famer, God willing.’ Besides raking at the dish, Caminero has improved his defense at third base this winter by working with Pujols and the coaching staff. Caminero has had a taste of the majors over the past two years, but he’s primed for much more in 2025. His loud barrel contact is as impressive as his hard-hit rate.”
With a combination of elite bat speed, impressive hard-hit rates, and his dominant LIDOM performance, Caminero is primed to make a significant impact. While his major league experience is still limited, he’s ready to take the next step toward stardom.
Under the guidance of Albert Pujols, Caminero’s development has accelerated, making him one of the most exciting prospects to watch this year. Caminero got to the majors for good as a 20-year-old and held his own, hitting .249/.299/.424. There’s little doubt he’ll hit, as he has already shown high-end power potential in the majors with a 116.3 mph max exit velocity and one of the fastest bat speeds in the game. There isn’t much speed in Caminero’s game, but he could be an Austin Riley-level hitter.
The Electric Bat Speed That Sets Caminero Apart
“Just electric,” said Chad Mottola, the Rays’ hitting coach, of Caminero. “I don’t know if I’ve seen somebody hit the ball consistently as hard as he does.”
That raw power is Caminero’s calling card. It’s the special skill that made him MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 overall prospect after the graduation of Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday. Caminero’s incredible power carried him through the minors and to the majors with Tampa Bay.
This power comes from his elite bat speed. Mottola attributes it to Caminero’s quick hands and innate ability.
“It’s something that some people have built-in,” Mottola said. “Some guys are blessed.”
Caminero’s Potential Came Early
Caminero’s full potential showed during his debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in 2021. He posted an impressive .295/.380/.534 line, with nine home runs in 43 games. His performance caught the Rays’ attention, thanks to their thorough scouting in the complex leagues. Their no-stone-unturned approach helped them identify Caminero’s unique offensive skill set at a young age.
Since then, Caminero has only continued to develop. He’s showcasing his elite bat speed, raw power, and ability to make consistent hard contact. These traits have made him one of the most promising young players in the Rays’ system, and he’s ready to build on his early success as he enters the 2025 season.
The post The Hidden Gem Ready for MLB Stardom This Season appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.