The Tampa Bay Rays have long been known for the success of their top prospects at the major league level. On Tuesday, they appear ready to put that to the test once again.
When the Rays traded third baseman Isaac Paredes, a 2024 American League All-Star, at this season's deadline, it was clear they had alternative plans for his position. They acquired Christopher Morel in the deal from the Chicago Cubs, but he has yet to play third base in Tampa Bay.
At the moment, the Rays are in the middle of a crucial series against the Houston Astros, who defeated Tampa Bay 6-1 on Monday night to advance their winning streak to six. It appears the Rays decided they needed some young firepower for the rematch with Houston on Tuesday.
According to the Rays' official PR account, Tampa Bay officially called up top organizational prospect Junior Caminero. Infielder Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding roster move.
Caminero, 21, is a Dominican-born third baseman/shortstop regarded for his exceptional raw power. Listed at 6-foot-1 and just 157 pounds, Caminero has hit 47 home runs in 176 minor league games since the start of 2023.
The No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline's most recent rankings, Caminero is making his second appearance in the big leagues. He went 8-for-34 with a home run and seven RBI in a September call-up last season.
Caminero is joining a Rays team fighting to stay on the outskirts of the playoff picture. Entering play Tuesday, Tampa Bay is 59-59, 5.5 games back of the third and final AL Wild Card spot.
Caminero could provide a jolt to the lineup now, but it is nonetheless beneficial to give regular MLB at-bats to a player widely seen as the team's future at third base. At the time of publication, the Rays have yet to announce a lineup for Tuesday night's game.
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