RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sources
How Albert Pujols helped Rays' Junior Caminero become one of MLB's top hitters originally appeared on The Sporting News .
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Tampa Bay Rays have a six-game lead in the American League East standings, and third baseman Junior Caminero is a significant reason why.
Caminero is just 23 years old and is already one of the top hitters in the Majors.
He was named to his second consecutive All-Star Game after a stellar performance at the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic.
The D.R.'s manager, Albert Pujols, has become a mentor for Tampa Bay's young slugger.
Pujols is a major reason why Caminero was ranked as ESPN's seventh-best player in baseball in 2026.
Pujols has helped Caminero become a more well-rounded hitter at the plate
"Caminero's rise in becoming one of baseball's premier power hitters continues this year, through a test of plate discipline," ESPN's Buster Olney wrote. "Mentor Albert Pujols challenged him to keep his focus in the strike zone, and his walk rate has improved dramatically -- going from 6.3% in 2025 to almost double that, 12.5%, so far this season."
Caminero is known for power, currently tied for an MLB-best 35 home runs. But his control of the strike zone and punchout rate have steadily decreased in the first four seasons of his career.
MORE : Dodgers prospect Kendall George to undergo knee surgery months after viral bat dog incident
"His strikeout rate has also steadily dropped over his four-year major league career: 22.2%, 21.5%, 19.1%, 18.5%," Olney added. "He's just 23 years old and is closing in on his 100th career homer for a Rays team that sits atop the American League. Caminero has greatness ahead."
With Caminero as their offensive leader, the Rays are a force to be reckoned with in the AL.
More MLB news:
Phillies receive slightly worrying 65% playoff odds projection from ESPN
Red Sox get 8.2% chance to win World Series, which is more than Yankees ’ odds
Dave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielder
Brewers ‘ toyed ’ with idea of trading for Padres closer Mason Miller
Tigers feared Tarik Skubal ’ s trade market would disappear if they waited too long to trade him
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.