The Tampa Bay Rays are making noise in the American League, as they entered Tuesday with a four-game win streak. Junior Caminero has blossomed into a franchise cornerstone, slashing .254/.298/.504 this season.
Caminero played a huge role in the Rays’ three-game sweep over the New York Mets last weekend. On Sunday, he went 1-for-3 with a massive three-run homer, two runs scored, and two walks.
Following a bit of a slow start in June, the young star is back to putting together a strong 2025 campaign. If the Mets series was any indication, the Rays have a lineup that could be bad news for the AL East.
Caminero Has Notched 17 HRs
Caminero was responsible for the Rays’ only run in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. He also finished 2-for-4 at the plate, once again showing up when the offense hits a lull.
Yet somehow, he’s still sitting low in the MLB All-Star voting, ranked only sixth among American League third basemen, per Will Leitch of MLB.com.
That’s debatable, given the contributions. At just 21, Caminero has been one of the most dependable bats in Tampa Bay’s lineup. He was great on Father’s Day — even clobbering the aforementioned three-run homer in front of his.
“Speaking of players who are an absolute blast to watch, the highlight of Father’s Day might have been the 21-year-old Caminero launching a three-run homer and pointing to his father in the stands. Good stuff,” Leitch wrote on Monday.
“Caminero is an electric player, with so much raw talent in such a young, thrilling package. He’s also the centerpiece of a team that’s white-hot right now, specifically because of an offense that will be built around him for years to come. Plus: He’s already an all-timer of a bat flipper.”
The Rays don’t typically get the national spotlight the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers do. Rising stars like Caminero can get overlooked. But when fans shift their attention more toward what’s happening on the field, Caminero’s All-Star Game stock is going to increase
Caminero finished strong with a crucial dinger in the ninth against Mets reliever Ryne Stanek — another reminder why he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite and a key piece of the Rays lineup.
Rays Building Momentum for Postseason Push
The Rays’ sweep against the New York Mets last weekend was a huge confidence boost. They will attempt to close their four-game series against Baltimore on a high note, with righties Taj Bradley set to start on Wednesday and Drew Rasmussen on Thursday.
As Caminero proceeds to swing with purpose — now with an OPS north of .800 — and delivering in the clutch, he’s helping Tampa Bay look like a legit AL contender.
His name should be climbing All-Star ballots fast.
As voting rolls on, it’s time for fans to give players like Caminero the credit they deserve. He’s already used to playing at an All-Star level, so reward him as such. It won’t be long until the league starts to catch up, and catch on to what he’s been able to accomplish.
Rays’ Young Game-Changer Deserves More MLB All-Star Votes