Junior Caminero Enters Elite Company During Rays Game

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Junior Caminero Enters Elite Company During Rays Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jun 28, 2026 4:42 PM ET

During the Tampa Bay Rays' series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Junior Caminero moved into elite company among baseball's youngest sluggers.

MLB researcher Sarah Langs noted that Caminero has hit seven home runs over his last six games, tying Bryce Harper in 2015, Willie Horton in 1965 and Boog Powell in 1964 for the most home runs in a six-game span by a player age 22 or younger since at least 1900. The latest blast also extended his home run streak to four consecutive games.

The milestone comes just days after the 22-year-old produced the first three-home-run game of his career against the Kansas City Royals on June 25. That performance established a new Rays franchise record for the most career home runs by a player before turning 23 and moved him past Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the all-time major league list for home runs before that age.

Junior Caminero has 7 homers in his last 6 games

That’s tied for the most home runs in a 6-game span at age 22 or younger since at least 1900, with:

2015 Bryce Harper
1965 Willie Horton
1964 Boog Powell https://t.co/IO4KF9TkTs
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 28, 2026

Caminero carried the momentum into the Diamondbacks series, homering on Friday and Saturday before adding another long ball Sunday. He entered the day with 21 home runs and increased his season total to 22 while continuing one of the hottest stretches by any hitter in baseball.

Across 80 games this season, he has posted a .285 batting average, .377 on-base percentage and .910 OPS. His breakout 2025 campaign included 45 home runs and 110 RBIs, earning him All-MLB Second Team honors, and he has built on that success by establishing himself as the centerpiece of Tampa Bay's lineup.

Caminero's recent surge has coincided with the Rays climbing back to the top of the American League East. Tampa Bay entered Sunday riding a four-game winning streak after briefly surrendering first place earlier this month, with the middle of the lineup providing the consistent power that fueled the turnaround.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Beyond the numbers, Caminero has strengthened his case for a second consecutive All-Star selection. Phase 2 of fan voting begins Monday, and his latest offensive explosion arrives at an ideal time as voters determine the American League's starting third baseman.

With his 23rd birthday not arriving until July 5, Caminero still has time to add to his franchise record before aging out of the category. If his current pace continues, the Rays' young star could climb even higher on baseball's all-time list while helping Tampa Bay hold its position atop the AL East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: