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Rays Star Caminero Focused on Play, Not Extension
18 Feb
Summary
- Junior Caminero expressed love for Tampa but deferred contract talks.
- He controls his play on the field, not extension decisions.
- Caminero launched 45 home runs and had 110 RBI in his stellar season.
Tampa Bay Rays' promising third baseman, Junior Caminero, has made a significant impact since his Major League debut. In his first full season, Caminero achieved American League All-Star status, showcasing elite talent at just 22 years old. His performance included an impressive 45 home runs and 110 runs batted in, contributing 4.4 bWAR with a 131 OPS+. Caminero's metrics, such as 100th percentile swing speed, suggest his power hitting is sustainable.
Despite being under contract until 2030, speculation about a long-term extension has begun. However, Caminero indicated his focus remains on his performance on the field, stating, "I control what I control, just go play, have fun." He deferred extension discussions to his agent and the new owners, emphasizing that these decisions are outside his current purview. The Rays organization views Caminero as a potential face of the franchise and a player worth committing to long-term.
To maximize Caminero's impact and support his development, the Rays need to strengthen their lineup. Surrounding him with more productive hitters would prevent opposing pitchers from solely focusing on him. Continued improvement in areas like ground ball tendencies and swing selection could further elevate Caminero's already impressive numbers, solidifying his role in the team's future playoff aspirations.
