PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Junior Caminero stood in front of his locker at Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday morning, preparing to address the media before the Rays’ first full-squad workout. Team interpreter Kevin Vera took his place at Caminero’s side, preparing to translate for the Dominican All-Star.
About 12 minutes and 25 questions later, Vera stepped away having not said a word.
Caminero had a busy offseason after his breakout campaign last year. He and his wife, Francesca, welcomed a daughter, Valentina. He traveled with his agent to Dubai and Paris. He spent time in the Dominican Republic, including a stop at the Rays’ complex on international signing day. He toned his body with a winter of workouts at a facility in Tampa.
And the 22-year-old worked a lot on his English, recognizing the additional responsibilities that come along with being the face of a franchise and one of the game’s brightest young stars. He reeled off a list of Dominican stars who communicate in English, including Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Elly De La Cruz, Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“Sorry, bro,” Caminero told Vera with a smile. “I don't wanna use a translator.”
That was just one of the goals Caminero has set for himself after slugging 45 homers, driving in 110 runs and finishing ninth in the American League MVP voting last year. Here are some of the other topics Caminero touched on in his first interview of the spring.
Gold on his mind
Caminero dramatically improved his defense at third base last year. He went from a player the Rays subbed out of close games in the late innings to a reliable presence at the hot corner. He wants to take it a step further this year, as he told third-base/infield coach Brady Williams.
“My goal this year is a Gold Glove,” Caminero said. “If not, close.”
But he’s not necessarily setting any expectations for his offensive output after finishing one homer and 11 RBIs shy of Carlos Peña’s single-season club records.
“This year, not putting too much pressure [on] me,” he said. “Not thinking about if it's another big year or 50 homers or 40 homers, no. Just, I know who I am.”
Training talk
Caminero reported to Spring Training in good shape, appearing slimmer after working out with Nicole Gabriel Training in Tampa, where stars like Guerrero and Randy Arozarena train.
Caminero clarified that he didn’t actually lose weight, but he tightened up his midsection and put on more muscle. He acknowledged that he felt tired at times in September, when he dealt with back tightness that kept him out of the lineup for a few days, and he wants to feel strong all season this year.
“I wanna play [in] October, and I wanna stay healthy all year,” he said. “I'll try to, this year, stay a little bit more comfortable and more -- not 100%, but something [like] 90% in September.”
Contract conversations
Given his production on the field, his emerging leadership, his age -- he’s still the fourth-youngest player in Rays camp -- and the arrival of a new ownership group, it’s fair to wonder if Caminero might be a candidate for a long-term extension with Tampa Bay.
There has been no indication that such talks are taking place, especially with ownership focused on securing a long-term ballpark, but Caminero -- who is under club control through the end of the 2030 season -- said he would be open to discussing it.
“I'd like to, but this is not my decision,” he said. “I feel this is my city, Tampa. I love Tampa, but this is not my decision. I'll control what I control -- just go play, have fun. And this decision -- talk to my agent and the new owners.”
Welcome to the World Baseball Classic
Caminero will leave camp at the end of the month to join the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic, a star-studded group managed by Albert Pujols. Caminero previously said he would have cheered on the team as a fan if he didn’t make the roster. Instead, he could be a big part of the lineup.
“I can't wait,” Caminero said. “Somebody told me it's the best moment when you play as a kid, because when you represent the Dominican, it's amazing. I'll try to put on a show there and just enjoy it with my team. And to me, a lot of excitement because this is my first time [in the] WBC.”
Offseason adventures
Caminero said becoming a father in late November was “the best” experience of his life -- and he started to get a little more sleep after his daughter’s first month. He was still able to take an international vacation with his agent, Rafa Nieves, who promised him trips to Dubai and Paris if he had a big season.
If he’s even better this year, where to next?
“I don't know,” he said, smiling. “I'll talk to my wife, and let's see.”