Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero singles against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Rays young star on pace to set dubious record

By Aaron Somers | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 10:17 AM ET

There's little doubt that Junior Caminero has developed into one of the key pieces of the Tampa Bay Rays roster in his second full season in the league. The 22-year-old has locked down the third base job and secured a spot in the middle of the team's lineup, where he's leading the offense in several categories.

However, Caminero is on pace to set a dubious record.

As a rookie last season, Caminero hit six home runs and batted .248/.299/.424 alongside a 105 OPS+ over 177 plate appearances. The former top prospect impressed with his first extended time in the majors, so much so that he was a popular candidate for a speculative contract extension before the 2025 season began.

This year, the offensive production has seen Caminero's power come into play. Through 369 PA on the year entering play on Thursday, Caminero is batting .254/.295/.503 with a 120 OPS+. His 19 doubles put him in a tie with first baseman Jonathan Aranda, while his 22 homers and 58 RBI lead the Rays.

Caminero's performance afforded him a trip to his first All-Star Game, set to take place Tuesday in Atlanta, where he was named as Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez's replacement. He also revealed before Wednesday's game that he will participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday.

Junior Caminero is ready for the Derby! The 22-year-old launches his 22nd homer of the season
— MLB (Bot) (@mlbbot.bsky.social) 2025-07-09T23:06:17.000Z

As good as Caminero has been, he's hit into 24 double plays this year, including one in the fifth inning of Wednesday's 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. He leads the major leagues in the category, with the Athletics' Jacob Wilson (15) and Mets' Pete Alonso and Juan Soto (tied with 14) behind him.

Caminero is on pace to ground into 42 double plays this year, which would set a new record. Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame outfielder Jim Rice holds the top two marks, having hit into 36 double plays in 1984 and 35 in 1985.

Aaron Somers

Aaron Somers has more than a decade of experience writing about sports and has been published in numerous outlets, but baseball is and has always been his biggest passion. You can follow him on BlueSky, @AaronJSomers.

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