Junior Caminer’s recent performance in the Dominican Winter League’s championship series was exceptional. Playing for the Leones del Escogido, he was the MVP after batting .448 including 26 hits, three home runs and 14 RBI over 15 games. The honor follows an incredible season culminating in Caminero’s game-winning home run in Game 7.
LOOK WHAT JUNIOR CAMINERO JUST DID!!!!!!!!!
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@cespedesbbq.bsky.social) January 27, 2025 at 10:08 PM
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Caminero’s recent surge only strengthens his case as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. A year ago, he was widely regarded as one of the top prospects, and his impressive play has reinforced that standing. Given his talent and rapid ascent, the Tampa Bay Rays could consider rewarding him with a contract extension before he even reaches a full year of service time—a move they have historically employed with their top young players.
The Rays’ History of Early Extensions
Tampa Bay has long been known for locking up promising players early in their careers to maximize value and cost certainty. One of the most notable examples was Wander Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million extension in 2021 after 70 games in the majors. Before that, the team secured Blake Snell, Matt Moore and Evan Longoria with similar early-career deals.
With Franco facing legal issues that have left his future in doubt, the Rays may be more motivated to solidify their infield’s future. Caminero, who made his MLB debut in 2023, could be next in line for a deal. Such a deal would provide him with financial security and the team with long-term cost control.
Why an Extension Makes Sense
Caminero’s performance and potential make him an ideal candidate for an early extension. His bat has spoken for itself at every level. If he continues on this trajectory, his value could skyrocket. In Triple-A last season, he slashed .277/.331/.498 with 13 home runs, 34 RBI, and a 50:16 K:BB ratio over 53 games. This demonstrated his ability to hit for power while maintaining solid plate discipline. He also played 43 games with the Rays, slashing .249/.299/.424 with six home runs, 18 RBI, and a 38:11 K:BB ratio. Despite being hampered by a lingering quad injury, Caminero continued to routinely post elite exit velocities at the plate.
There’s very little doubt that’ll he hit, and he’s already shown high-end power potential in the majors, with s 116.3 mph max exit velocity and one of the fastest bat speeds in the majors.
Additionally, Tampa Bay’s model revolves around securing young talent early to maintain cost control and build a sustainable roster. Buying out Caminero’s arbitration years and at least one or two years of free agency would align with this strategy, ensuring payroll predictability while keeping a potential franchise cornerstone in place for the long term.
With the uncertainty surrounding Franco and the need to build a competitive core, Caminero represents a valuable asset for the Rays. Committing to him early would provide stability and allow the club to shape its roster with confidence.
What a Caminero Extension Could Look Like
One possible issue here: The Rays don’t have a long-term home. They’ll play 2025 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees Single-A ballpark in Tampa. Where they’ll play in 2026 and beyond remains uncertain. The Rays and the city of St. Petersburg are haggling over the repairs of Tropicana Field. They are also debating taxpayer dollars for the team’s proposed new stadium. Caminero could jump at the long-term security and sign despite the ballpark’s precariousness. It would be understandable if that uncertainty gave him pause, though.
If they can pass those hurdles, then the possibility remains. The largest contract given to a player with less than one full year of service is the 12-year, $210 million deal the Seattle Mariners made with Julio Rodríguez. He signed the contract in August of his rookie season, after being an All-Star and emerging as the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Caminero is good, but Rodríguez was more established at the big-league level and thus had more leverage in contract talks. A Rodríguez contract is out of reach for Caminero.
A More Appropriate Contract
A contract benchmark for Caminero could be Jackson Chourio’s eight-year, $82 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, signed on December 4, 2023. It set a record for a player without a day in the majors. Like Caminero, Chourio was regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects before making his MLB debut. Chourio’s 2024 season started off slow but saw him hit .275 with 21 home runs and 79 RBI in 148 games. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, the icing on the cake after a strong turnaround.
If the Rays decide to extend Caminero, a deal could mirror those given to previous young stars. A reasonable projection might be a 6-8-year contract worth between $50-$80 million, covering his pre-arbitration years and at least one or two years of free agency. Caminero’s deal could mirror that at eight years, giving the Rays two additional years of control beyond the standard six while giving him a significant financial commitment early in his career.
Caminero’s electric performance in the Dominican Winter League has only bolstered his case for a long-term commitment from Tampa Bay. With Caminero’s and the Rays’ history of early extensions, a contract could come sooner rather than later. If Tampa Bay believes Caminero is their next big star, securing him now would be a smart move.
Main Photo: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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