Junior Caminero: Rays' Young Gun Set for Home Run Derby
Get ready for some fireworks! Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero is set to compete in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta, a testament to his incredible power and meteoric rise in the MLB. At just 22 years and 10 days old, he's not only making Rays history but also etching his name into the record books as the youngest All-Star in the Majors this season.
A Double Dose of Success: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby
The announcement of Caminero's Home Run Derby participation came on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, a day that will forever be etched in his memory. It wasn't just the Derby news; on the same day, he learned he'd be starting at third base for the American League in the All-Star Game the very next night. Talk about a whirlwind of success!
This remarkable achievement places him in elite company. He joins an exclusive group of Tampa Bay Rays players who’ve competed in the Home Run Derby: Evan Longoria (2008), Carlos Pena (2009), and Randy Arozarena (2023). But Caminero is poised to make his mark in a way no other Ray has before.
Making History: Youngest All-Star and Derby Contender
Caminero's age is a significant factor in his story. At 22 years and 10 days old, he’s officially the youngest All-Star in Rays history, breaking a record that stood for years. He's also the youngest All-Star in the entire Majors this season, a staggering accomplishment for a player who's still relatively early in his career. This youth, combined with his prodigious power, makes him a compelling underdog in the Home Run Derby.
“It’s surreal,” a hypothetical Caminero is quoted saying. “To be the youngest All-Star and now competing in the Derby… it’s a dream come true. I’m going to give it my all.”
From Replacement to Contender: A Chance at Glory
Caminero’s journey to the Home Run Derby is even more remarkable. He was selected as a replacement for the injured Boston Red Sox's Alex Bregman. This last-minute opportunity highlights not only his talent but also the recognition he’s gained throughout the league. Now, he has a chance to steal the show, cement his place among baseball's elite, and potentially become the youngest Home Run Derby champion ever.
Adding to the excitement, he celebrated his selection with a resounding 22nd home run of the season in the seventh inning of Tampa Bay's 7-3 victory over Detroit. It was a fitting exclamation point to a day filled with incredible news.
A Look Ahead: The Potential for a Historic Win
The Home Run Derby is a grueling test of power and endurance. While the competition will be fierce, Caminero's youth, raw power, and undeniable confidence position him as a potential dark horse. A victory in Atlanta would not only mark a personal triumph but would also etch his name in Rays lore as their first-ever Home Run Derby champion.
Will Junior Caminero seize this opportunity and claim victory? Only time will tell. But one thing's for certain: the baseball world will be watching with bated breath.
What are your predictions for Junior Caminero in the Home Run Derby? Let us know in the comments below!
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