Junior Caminero Hits 40th Homer as Rays Win 5th Straight vs Mariners

Junior Caminero has made a historic impact in the 2025 MLB season as a young power hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays, recently hitting his 40th home run and surpassing 100 RBIs. At just 22 years old, Caminero joined rare company, becoming only the second player in Rays history to reach 40 homers in a season and the first player aged 22 or younger to hit 11 home runs in a 16-game span since 1980. His performance against the Seattle Mariners, including a key go-ahead double and a solo homer, helped the Rays secure their fifth consecutive win, narrowing the gap to a wild card spot. Caminero's rise has been notable for tying franchise records held by Carlos Peña and Jose Canseco and joining elite Dominican players like Albert Pujols and Juan Soto in early-career home run achievements. Despite the Rays' struggles to make the playoffs this season, Caminero's consistent power hitting and milestone achievements underscore his status as a generational talent and a cornerstone for the team’s future. His progress reflects the Rays' developmental strategy, including his international stint, which has accelerated his growth into one of the most dangerous hitters in the American League.