Rays young slugger Junior Caminero open to long-term deal, but it's complicated

The Tampa Bay Rays may have found a building block in third baseman Junior Caminero. If Caminero has his way, he would stay with the Rays for the foreseeable future.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Caminero would be interested in a long-term extension with the Rays. However, the Rays have yet to begin those discussions.

The Rays have several pressing issues that may be a barrier to any extension talks. Although the Rays are under new ownership, there are questions about a new ballpark location and what will happen to the contract of disgraced shortstop Wander Franco. As Franco remains on administrative leave, the Rays have not needed to pay his contract, but they haven't yet received a ruling on whether they can void the remaining $164 million on the deal.

Tampa Bay Rays may run out of time to get bargain on Junior Caminero

In theory, there is no rush for the Rays to sign Caminero to a long-term extension. He is two years away from reaching arbitration and is under team control through 2030. The Rays have plenty of time if they want to make Caminero the new face of the franchise.

At the same time, any delay could prove costly. Caminero had an impressive rookie season in 2025, posting a .264/.311/.535 batting line with 45 homers and 28 doubles in his 653 plate appearances. At 22 years old, the sky would seemingly be the limit.

It is possible that discussions regarding an extension would begin once the Rays have a definitive plan for a new ballpark and clarity regarding Franco's contract. If Caminero can replicate his 2025 performance, his price tag may increase as well.