How Albert Pujols helped Rays' Junior Caminero become one of MLB's top hitters

The Tampa Bay Rays have a commanding six-game lead in the American League East standings, and third baseman Junior Caminero is a major contributor to their success. At just 23 years old, Caminero has already established himself as one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball. His performance at the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic, under the guidance of his mentor Albert Pujols, has solidified his status as a rising star.

Pujols, a former MVP and Hall of Fame-caliber player, has played a crucial role in Caminero's development, helping him become a more well-rounded hitter and improve his plate discipline. As a result, Caminero's walk rate has dramatically improved, rising from 6.3% in 2025 to an impressive 12.5% so far in the current season. This increase in patience at the plate has coincided with a significant boost in Caminero's power numbers, as he has hit 35 home runs this year, tying for the MLB-best.

Caminero's career averages of 22.2% strikeouts, 21.5%, 19.1%, and 18.5% demonstrate his consistent improvement in this area as well. With a young player of Caminero's talent leading the charge, the Rays are poised to be a dominant force in the American League, with the potential to make a deep run in the postseason.