Rays rookie Junior Caminero dazzles in the 2025 Home Run Derby, falling to Cal Raleigh 18-15 in a thrilling final. See how the phenom stole the show.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The confetti may have fallen for Seattle's Cal Raleigh, but the biggest winner of the 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby might just be wearing a Tampa Bay Rays uniform. Rookie sensation Junior Caminero put the baseball world on notice Tuesday night in Atlanta, mashing his way to a dramatic runner-up finish in a performance that was equal parts power, poise, and a tantalizing glimpse of the future.
He came within three homers of the crown, ultimately falling 18-15, but the 22-year-old's message was clear: a new star has arrived.
It was pure electricity every time Caminero stepped to the plate. The 22-year-old phenom, one of the youngest participants, showcased the raw power that has Rays fans dreaming of championships. He confidently advanced through the early rounds, setting up a titanic clash with the Mariners' catcher, Cal Raleigh, in the final. Hitting second, Caminero knew the number he had to beat. He put up a valiant effort, launching 15 moonshots, but ultimately couldn't catch Raleigh's total of 18. Despite the loss, the night was a massive victory for Caminero and the Rays. He didn't just participate; he contended, captivated a national audience, and cemented his status as one of the most exciting young players in all of baseball.
While Caminero was grabbing headlines on the national stage, the Rays front office was busy ensuring the talent pipeline remains full for years to come. As part of the ongoing 2025 MLB Draft, the team added right-handed pitcher Hartlaub from Ball State. Praised by his college coach, Maloney, Hartlaub becomes the 78th player drafted from the university, joining fellow Cardinal Ty Johnson in the Rays' highly-regarded farm system. It's a classic Rays move: while one star shines brightly, the organization is quietly working in the background to find the next one. It’s this relentless focus on scouting and development that allows players like Caminero to emerge in the first place.
With the All-Star festivities now in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts back to the second half and the pennant race. Caminero will return to the lineup no longer as a promising rookie, but as a nationally recognized star with a target on his back. The pressure is on, but after his performance in Atlanta, it's clear he's more than ready for the spotlight. The brief break is over, and the real fireworks are about to begin.
