Inside Junior Caminero's WBC debut, MLB future with Rays

"Representing his country of Dominican Republic, he hit his first home run of the World Baseball Classic last Friday against Nicaragua, a line-drive blast to right-center field that he hit at 116.9 mph to break a 3-3 tie. Caminero screamed loudly as he rounded the bases, without pretense or a preplanned schtick, responding to his teammates' celebration of him by shouting happily. 'It's beautiful,' he said after. 'When I was running the bases, I didn't hear the people screaming. I cried a couple of tears when I got to the dugout.'"

"Caminero is 22 years old, and with his balanced, smooth swing that allows him to drive the ball in all directions, the third baseman clubbed 45 homers for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025. Now, after spending the winter training to strengthen his body, he is posting triple-digit exit velocities just about every time he makes contact."

"'The best thing about Junior Caminero is he's not afraid for this moment,' Pujols told reporters last weekend. 'He's no [incomplete quote in source]'"

Junior Caminero, a 22-year-old third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, demonstrates exceptional power-hitting credentials while distinguishing himself through genuine enthusiasm and emotional authenticity. After hitting 45 home runs in 2025 and strengthening his body during winter training, Caminero now consistently produces triple-digit exit velocities. Representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, he has recorded two home runs and five RBIs. His balanced swing allows him to drive the ball in all directions. Beyond his technical abilities, Caminero's raw joy and unguarded emotional responses—screaming while rounding bases, crying in the dugout, and hyping crowds—resonate deeply with peers and observers. Dominican baseball legends including Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, and Adrian Beltre recognize his potential as a tournament breakout star.

Read at ESPN.com