Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Junior Caminero is the sixth confirmed participant for the 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta.
He joined Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Byron Buxton and Oneil Cruz, who previously committed to take part in the annual event on Monday, July 14.
Caminero is the third first-time participant in the Derby this year, with Raleigh and Wood also in that group. He is the fifth player in Rays franchise history who will compete in the Home Run Derby, joining Carlos Peña, Evan Longoria, Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes.
Born in 2003, Caminero just turned 22 year sold on July 5 and replaces Wood as the youngest player in the 2025 Home Run Derby. Furthermore, Caminero can become the youngest player to ever win a Home Run Derby.
That distinction is currently shared among Ruben Sierra (1989), Juan González (1993) and Juan Soto (2022), who each were 23-year-olds when winning their respective Derby.
Caminero would also give the Rays their first Home Run Derby champion in franchise history.
Caminero made his MLB debut in 2023, playing seven games for the Rays at the end of the season. He is in the midst of his first full season in the Majors after appearing in 43 games last year. His 21 home runs this season lead all American League third baseman.
The Home Run Derby field has expanded significantly over the past three days, with Buxton making his announcement on Monday and Cruz following suit on Tuesday. Caminero’s inclusion leaves two spots remaining before the Derby kicks off on July 14.
Junior Caminero named All-Star Game replacement player
Caminero will not only be in Atlanta for the Home Run Derby, but for the All-Star Game as well. He is the Rays’ third representative for the Midsummer Classic, joining first baseman Jonathan Aranda and second baseman Brandon Lowe.
This is the seventh time since 2008 that the Rays will send at least three players to the All-Star Game.
Caminero was not initially included on the American League team, but was selected as an injury replacement for Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman. He is a part of a select group of Rays third baseman to be named to the All-Star team, joining Paredes and Longoria.
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