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Exploding onto the MLB power stage with 45 home runs and 110 RBI last season, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero continues to expand his game in 2026.
The fourth-year slugger created MLB buzz Thursday, connecting on three homers and six RBI during the 13-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field. But Caminero is doing more with his plate appearances. Not only is he displaying middle-of-the-order power, but his patience at the plate appears to be enhancing his value.
A 2025 All-Star, Caminero compiled a .311 on-base percentage (OBP). This season, with a career-best 45 walks, his OBP spiked to .374, entering Thursday.
"It's become a big part of my game," Caminero said, as reported by Fox 13 News.
And a big part of his new offensive identity.
Rays' Junior Caminero creating new offensive identity
Caminero opened the scoring Thursday with a two-run blast off Royals starter Seth Lugo (3-5). His second shot developed in the fith inning, also off Lugo. He completed the trifecta in the eighth, connecting on a three-run homer off second baseman Tyler Tolbert's eephus pitch.
He executed the Rays' first three-homer outing since Isaac Paredes' 2022 effort and extended his franchise record for home runs by players before turning 23 years old. With 71, he has 41 more than Wander Franco, who ranks second.
Caminero and the combined efforts of starter Casey Legumina and Seymour (4-1) kept the Royals hitless through eight innings. Never in MLB history has a game featured a no-hitter and a slugger connecting on three homers.
Royals Carter Jensen snapped the no-hit bid with one out in the ninth with a first-pitch two-run homer.
"Great job by all the pitchers," Caminero said via team interpreter. "Great job all around.
Before clinching his first career three-homer game, he looked to the home dugout and grinned.
"I was able to settle down and connect all day," Caminero said. "I'm going to celebrate with my wife and my daughter."
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