Rays slugger Junior Caminero joins All-Star HR Derby, plans to put on a show

Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times on Jul 9, 2025

Published in Baseball

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DETROIT — After learning Tuesday night he had been added to the American League All-Star team, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero didn’t have anything to say about whether he’d take part in the Home Run Derby.

Wednesday morning, he made it clear he will participate, posting the news on his Instagram account.

He said later he has a simple plan for the event Monday night (8, ESPN).

“I’m going to put on a show,” Caminero said via team interpreter Eddie Rodriguez. “I’m going to try to put on a show just to give the fans the opportunity to know me, see my power.

“Just being there with all those other All-Stars, it’s going to be something very special.”

Caminero could be in line for more good news, with a possible start at third base in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Both fan-elected starter Jose Ramirez and player-voted backup Alex Bregman withdrew from the game.

Though Caminero just turned 22 and is in his first full major league season, he has shown he belongs with the best. His 22 home runs are tied for third in the American League and ninth in the majors.

“We get to see him probably do a modified home run derby every time he takes batting practice,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “I’m excited for him. I’m excited for his family. I talked to him earlier. He’s got a lot of family (including his parents, brother and wife) coming over from the Dominican.

“It’s somewhat of a coming out party for him, because hopefully he gets the recognition that we’ve all kind of seen in the talent and the ability to hit the ball a long way.”

Fellow All-Star Brandon Lowe also is excited for a show.

“I saw he’s going to be in the derby, and I was like, ‘Oh, this just got a lot more fun,’ ” Lowe said. “I know that there’s some guys that can swing the bat in this derby, but I’m really excited to see what Cami can do and kind of show off for those fans up there in Atlanta.”

Caminero certainly has the potential to make it a memorable night, given the immense power he has shown in some prodigious batting practice displays.

Most memorable was a September 2023 session in Toronto shortly after his initial call-up. Caminero launched a series of balls into the upper decks at Rogers Centre, much to the fans’ delight.

Caminero smiled when reminded of it Wednesday. He said Cash brought it up when they talked earlier, telling him, “I’ve never seen a BP like that. So, just go out there and just do the same in Atlanta.”

Cash said it may have been the best batting practice show he ever saw.

“I’ve never heard of an opposing crowd give a standing ovation to a visiting player, but it was worthy to sit there and watch him,” Cash said. “He’s just peppering the upper deck.”

Caminero, who once participated in a small home run derby in the Dominican Republic, said his approach Monday won’t change much from what he normally does. He will have Rays coach Tomas Francisco throwing to him.

“Same swing, same stance,” Caminero said. “The only difference that you guys are going to see is that I’m going to put the ball in the air a little bit more, but everything else will be the same.”

Other announced derby participants include Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. (nine homers entering Wednesday), Seattle’s Cal Raleigh (36), Washington’s James Wood (23), Minnesota’s Byron Buxton (20) and Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz (16). Two more players are expected to be added.