Already veteran of big moments, Caminero now gets to play with hero in Classic

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Junior Caminero stood in front of his locker at Charlotte Sports Park on Friday morning, a box of fresh equipment featuring his home country’s colors at his feet, and thought about two of his proudest accomplishments.

What’s more exciting, he was asked: Getting to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic for the first time, or playing in his first All-Star Game last year?

“Tough question, my guy,” Caminero said, breaking into a big grin. “Oh, my God.”

These are not the kinds of things most 22-year-old players need to put into perspective. But, of course, most 22-year-old players are not Junior Caminero.

The Rays’ star third baseman left their Spring Training camp on Saturday to join his Dominican teammates ahead of the upcoming WBC. Playing on such a star-studded roster, with a nation’s hopes on his back, will be just the latest moment in the spotlight in Caminero’s young career.

Consider all that Caminero accomplished just last year:

• In January, he led Leones del Escogido to their first Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) championship since 2016, and earned championship series MVP honors following a torrid postseason run capped by a titanic, go-ahead home run (and an epic trot around the bases) in the ninth inning of Game 7.
• He made his first career Opening Day roster, having only just graduated in 2024 from his status as baseball’s top prospect.
• He was the runner-up to Cal Raleigh in the Home Run Derby, finishing four homers shy of becoming the youngest champion in the event’s history.
• He started the All-Star Game at third base for the American League, making him the third-youngest player to start a Midsummer Classic for either league at the hot corner, and the youngest player to start an All-Star Game at any position since Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2019.
• He hit 45 home runs, third-most in the AL and one shy of Carlos Peña’s franchise record. That made him the fifth player in Major League history to have a 45-homer season before turning 23, joining Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (48 in 2021), Johnny Bench (45 in 1970), Eddie Mathews (47 in 1953) and Joe DiMaggio (46 in 1937).
• He drove in 110 runs, the most by a Ray since Evan Longoria in 2009 and fourth-most in team history.
• He had a busy awards season. He was named to the All-MLB Second Team. He received the Don Zimmer Most Valuable Player award from the Tampa Bay chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, and finished ninth in the BBWAA’s AL MVP voting.
• In December, he was officially added to the Dominican Republic’s WBC roster.

It was, to put it simply, a lot.

“Really fast, too,” Caminero said. “Thank you, God, for giving me these opportunities in my life.”

Now, here comes another one.

Caminero isn’t the only Rays player jetting off for the WBC. Jonathan Aranda will represent Mexico. Relievers Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger will pitch for Team USA. Right-hander Yoendrys Gómez is joining Venezuela. Non-roster catcher Daniel Vellojin was a late addition for Colombia. And pitching prospects Gary Gill Hill and Owen Wild will play for Great Britain.

But Tampa Bay’s star slugger seems to be made for big moments, and the WBC will provide an international stage for him to shine.

Caminero reported early and came into camp in great shape. He’s done and said all the right things while taking on additional responsibilities as a young face of the game. He looked ready to go in his early game action, going 5-for-12 with five RBIs, a walk and no strikeouts.

“He wants to play. He wants to be ready,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He wants to represent the Tampa Bay Rays and certainly the Dominican Republic in the WBC.”

And when the Dominican squad convenes in Miami, Caminero will take his place alongside his childhood hero: Manny Machado. Taking a picture with Machado at Camden Yards in 2014 was one of the highlights of a young Caminero’s life, and the two swapped signed jerseys after playing against each other in August 2024.

Not only will they share a roster, but the two will likely share the same position.

“That’s amazing. That’s unbelievable. That’s incredible,” Caminero said. “I text him every day. I say, ‘Give me early work. Give me everything.’ … He told me, ‘When we get here and practice together, I’ll help you in your career.’”

So, back to the original question. Which one’s more exciting, the All-Star Game or the WBC?

Why not both?

“When you play in the All-Star Game, it’s amazing. When you get there, you say, ‘I’m a superstar. I’m with this group,’” Caminero said. “But when you go to represent your country and the Dominican, it’s different. It’s different. It’s like a dream come true when you put it on your heart, the Dominican Republic [jersey]. It’s amazing.”