Tampa Bay Rays Junior Caminero Makes MLB Home Run History

In what has been quite the breakout year for Tampa Bay Rays Third Baseman Junior Caminero, the young star continued to showcase his elite-level power at the plate Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. The 22-year-old All-Star became the fourth-youngest player in MLB history to hit over 40 home runs in a single season, while also becoming the second player in Rays franchise history to reach that single-season home run mark as well.

Caminero Joins Elite Company

While only a few weeks removed from his 22nd birthday, Caminero etched his name alongside some other famous sluggers who excelled at a young age as well. Those names include Hall of Famers like Mel Ott and Eddie Mathews, with a recent addition to that list, such as Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., rounding out the top three. Caminero also became the sixth player to hit over 40 home runs this season, trailing only Aaron Judge and Eugenio Suarez for second place in the American League.

Caminero Is Also Eyeing the Rays’ Season Record

With only just a month to go in the 2025 MLB season, Caminero now sits within striking distance of the Rays’ single-season home run record. He is only trailing Rays legendary slugger Carlos Pena by six home runs heading into the final stretch of the season. Caminero has been no stranger to setting franchise records this season. The Dominican Republic product also tied with both Pena and Jose Canseco for the most home runs before the All-Star break with 19 earlier this season.

While the Rays have had a middling season overall with a 69-69 record through 138 games, the franchise can take some comfort in knowing they have an emerging superstar on their roster in Caminero for years to come.