Rays' Junior Caminero Correctly Seen as Best Third Baseman in Baseball

Is Tampa Bay Rays' third baseman Junior Caminero the best in the game?

Aug 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) reacts in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It has been a great stretch of baseball lately for the Tampa Bay Rays, who are winners of seven straight games. Despite being on a long West Coast trip, the team has shown no signs of slowing down. 

With the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror for the Rays, the franchise is hoping to continue to play well and make some noise come October. While the American League East is starting to heat up a bit, Tampa Bay has been able to remain in control of the division throughout most of the season. 

This is a team that features some good talent with a strong starting rotation that has carried them most of the way. However, while the team has performed well, they have also done a good job of making improvements at the deadline. 

However, while the team has added talent, they also have one of the brightest young stars in the game. Now, as they look to move forward, he is going to be receiving a lot of accolades based on his production. 

Jason Foster of MLB.com recently wrote about what the All-MLB teams might look like at the end of the season; for the Rays, their star Junior Caminero was predicted to be a first-team player at third base. 

Caminero a Rising Star

Aug 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) gestures in the dugout after a solo home run in the fourth inning and his second of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While Tampa Bay’s success might have been a surprise this year, the success of Caminero isn’t. The star third baseman had his breakout season in 2025, and he has been an improved player who is building an impressive early resume. 

In 2025, Caminero emerged as one of the best young power hitters in the game. He slashed 264/.311/.535 with 45 home runs and 110 RBI. While it was a special campaign for him last season, he has been arguably even better this year. 

So far, he has slashed .277/.368/.549 with 34 home runs and 74 RBI. Seeing an increase across his slash line with a major jump in his on-base percentage is great. 

Due to his MVP-caliber numbers so far, it is no surprise that he is being viewed as the best third baseman in the game right now. Caminero is well on his way toward a 40-home run, 100-RBI season, and is one of the best young players in the game. 

As Tampa Bay gets set to hopefully be playing meaningful baseball in October, the team is going to be led by their young star.