Rays' Junior Caminero Sends Message Before Home Run Derby
Tampa Bay Rays' superstar third baseman Junior Caminero is gearing up for his second straight Home Run Derby after finishing as the runner-up to Mariners' Cal Raleigh last year.
The 23-year-old comes into the Derby with 28 home runs in 94 games, the fourth most home runs in Major League Baseball. He had a stretch a couple weeks ago where he hit 11 home runs in 11 games.
He broke out on the scene as one of the league's best power hitters with a 45 home run campaign, and he is looking for more this year.
He was the first player to announce his intent to compete in the Derby.
When asked about today's Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, Caminero had two clear thoughts on the contest, stating "We've gotta go there and have fun, but we've gotta go there and win it."
Junior Caminero on today's #HRDerby in Philadelphia, where he has the second-best odds of winning after finishing runner-up last year.
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) July 13, 2026
"We've gotta go there and have fun," Caminero said yesterday, "but we've gotta go there and win it."
He practiced for the derby several times… pic.twitter.com/akjTfRmcWO
Have fun, but most importantly, win.
Caminero will be thrown to by Rays' assistant Tomas Francisco, his same pitcher as last year.
According to ESPN, the two-time All-Star has the second best odds to win the Derby, behind Phillies' Kyle Schwarber.
The Rays' slugger looks for Home Run Derby revenge at Citizens Bank Park on Monday at 8 p.m.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:28 AM.