There have been few seasons like the one Junior Caminero is having for the Tampa Bay Rays.
In fact, he's one of only seven players in MLB dating back to 1947 to have put together a campaign like this.
Caminero began the season at 21 years old, making this his age-21 season. And before him, only six hitters in their age-21 season have hit 35 or more home runs.
The list is incredible, via Just Baseball Media:
- Eddie Matthews
- Frank Robinson
- Alex Rodriguez
- Albert Pujols
- Cody Bellinger
- Ronald Acuna Jr.
And now Caminero.
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Caminero has homered in three of his last four games, including on Friday night, to get up to 35 and counting with about a month and a half left in the season.
He actually made his MLB debut two seasons ago in his age-19 season with seven games. Then in 2024, Caminero played 43 MLB games and hit six homers in the limited action.
This is his first full campaign, and it's been fantastic.
Caminero has 21 doubles and 85 RBI to go with his 35 home runs.
He's batting .261 and has an OPS of .837.
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The third baseman also earned a spot in the Home Run Derby, and he possesses some of the best bat speed in the sport.
If that list of names is any indication, Caminero has an incredible career ahead of him.
Caminero may not have the name value of someone who plays in a bigger market than Tampa Bay. But he's one of the true rising superstars of the game.
He's still got a few more homers left in him this season, too, especially if he stays as hot as he is right now.
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