Major League Baseball announced that Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero and Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino will serve as World Series Player Correspondents during the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One.
Pasquantino was the correspondent for Media Day on Thursday and will fill that role for Friday's Game 1 in Toronto, where he’ll produce content on MLB social channels, provide behind-the-scenes access to the Fall Classic and be a part of social media takeovers. Known for showcasing his humor, Pasquantino’s personality will be on full display as he interviews friends, players and celebrities, appears on MLB Network, and shares his insights on the matchup between the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
He let that personality shine through during Shohei Ohtani's Media Day session Thursday.
Pasquantino has been on the receiving end of two of the three fastest pitches that Ohtani has thrown in his career: a 102.0 mph fastball during the 2023 World Baseball Classic that Pasquantino whiffed on and a 101.7 mph pitch on June 28 this season that resulted in a double play. (Ohtani also threw a 101.7 mph pitch against the Phillies' Kyle Schwarber last month.)
So, the Royals' first baseman had a very simple question on his mind: "Why do you throw so hard to me? Why? Why do you hate me?"
After laughing at Pasquantino's sarcastic indignation, Ohtani responded, via interpreter Will Ireton, "You're just a really good hitter. I have to."
"That's not good enough," Pasquantino responded. "You throw too hard, Shohei."
In 2025, Pasquantino set career highs in hits (164), doubles (33), home runs (32) and RBIs (113), becoming one of only eight players in Royals history to record at least 30 home runs and 30 doubles in a single season.
Butler will attend Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles, provide player-first coverage and create content across the suite of @MLB social media channels. In 2025, he became the first Athletic since 2013 to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases. The Atlanta native has a passion for music and when he’s not on a baseball field, he can be found in the studio.
Additionally, off the field, Butler created the L4W Foundation with a mission to ignite hope and opportunity for inner-city, underrepresented youth by creating pathways to success through financial education, elite baseball training and impactful mentorship. Butler was the A’s 2025 Roberto Clemente Award Nominee due to his exceptional philanthropic efforts in the community.
Caminero will work closely with MLB Español, providing digital coverage in Spanish at Games 3 and 4 when the series shifts to Dodger Stadium. The Dominican infielder will be interviewing some of the players and coaches on the Blue Jays and Dodgers. Nicknamed “La Máxima,” Caminero is known for his powerful home runs, including a viral, game-winning home run in the 2025 Dominican Winter League Final. He made his first All-Star Game this season and participated in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, where he was the runner-up. His 45 home runs this season ranked third in the American League and were the second most in Rays franchise history.
Established in 2021, the World Series Correspondent Program provides players with the opportunity to be featured across all of MLB’s digital media platforms, showcase their personalities and provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the World Series, including exclusive interviews with players, coaches and celebrities. Past correspondents include Ozzie Albies, Luis Arraez and Brent Rooker (2024), Mookie Betts and Willy Adames (2023), Triston McKenzie (2022) and Brett Phillips (2021).