Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero is officially set to compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta, making him the youngest participant this year. The 22-year-old joined previously announced players Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Byron Buxton, and Oneil Cruz in committing to the event scheduled for Monday, July 14.
Caminero is one of three first-time Derby competitors along with Raleigh and Wood, and he represents the fifth player in Tampa Bay Rays history to take part, following Carlos Peña, Evan Longoria, Randy Arozarena, and Isaac Paredes. Born in 2003, Caminero recently marked his 22nd birthday on July 5 and replaces James Wood as the youngest contender this year.
Potential Youngest Champion in Derby History
If he wins, Caminero would become the youngest player to ever claim the Home Run Derby title. Currently, the record is held by Ruben Sierra (1989), Juan González (1993), and Juan Soto (2022), who each won at age 23. A victory would also mark the first time a Rays player has won the prestigious event.
After debuting in the major leagues in 2023 with seven late-season games, Caminero is now in the middle of his first full <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB season. His 21 home runs so far this campaign lead all American League third basemen, demonstrating his powerful hitting ability that makes him a strong contender for the Derby.
The Home Run Derby roster has grown notably in recent days, with Byron Buxton and Oneil Cruz confirming their participation shortly before Caminero. Only two spots remain to be filled before the competition begins mid-July.
Caminero Named as Injury Replacement on American League All-Star Team
In addition to competing in the Home Run Derby, Junior Caminero will also join the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Alongside first baseman Jonathan Aranda and second baseman Brandon Lowe, Caminero becomes the third Rays representative selected for this year’s Midsummer Classic held in Atlanta.
This marks the seventh occasion since 2008 that Tampa Bay has sent at least three players to the All-Star Game. Although initially left off the American League roster, Caminero was named as an injury replacement for Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman. He joins a select group of Rays third basemen who have earned All-Star honors, including Evan Longoria and Isaac Paredes.
Broader Context and Anticipation for the Derby and All-Star Game
Junior Caminero’s inclusion adds fresh excitement to the 2025 Home Run Derby, as fans watch to see if he can claim the youngest winner title and become the franchise’s first Derby champion. His powerful hitting and recent rise in performance position him as a hopeful contender within a highly competitive field.
With the Derby and All-Star Game both taking place in Atlanta, the event promises to be memorable for Caminero and the Rays organization, potentially setting the stage for continued success and recognition in the coming seasons.