Junior Caminero seeks Home Run Derby revenge after historic week

Dominican player Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays has confirmed his participation in the 2026 Home Run Derby, scheduled for July 13 at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park. This marks the 22-year-old third baseman's second consecutive appearance in the Major League Baseball's traditional home run contest.

Caminero is driven by the desire to capture the title he narrowly missed last year, having been defeated in the final by Cal Raleigh with a score of 18-15. He arrives at the competition during a career-defining period, establishing himself as a prominent offensive force in MLB. The Rays currently lead the American League East division by 1.5 games over the New York Yankees.

His selection for the derby follows a stellar week where he was named American League Player of the Week. During that span, Caminero batted .423, launching seven home runs, driving in 15 runs, hitting four doubles, and scoring eight runs over his last seven games. This season, he boasts a .292 batting average, a .384 on-base percentage, and a .548 slugging percentage, with 22 home runs and 49 RBIs in the Rays' first 81 games.

Caminero's participation offers another chance to etch his name in the event's history. At just 22, he could become one of the derby's youngest champions. With 74 career home runs before turning 23, he already ranks third among players born in the Dominican Republic, trailing only Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. Caminero has vowed to "put on a show," a promise he has honored throughout his career.