ANAHEIM, USA Junior Caminero continues to make his mark in the Major Leagues by hitting two home runs in the Tampa Bay Rays’ 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, thus reaching the coveted mark of 30 home runs in the 2025 season.
Caminero, who turned 22 on July 5th, joins a select group of Dominican hitters who have hit 30 home runs in the same season before or just after turning 22 years old. Only Juan Soto and Albert Pujols had achieved that feat previously.
The Rays infielder ignited the offense early, punishing a changeup from left-hander Tyler Anderson with an imposing 447-foot home run to left field, the longest of his career, to give his team a two-run lead. Later, in his next at-bat, he punished the Angels’ pitching again with another home run, this time 400 feet to center field, increasing the difference to four runs.
“Since spring training I set this goal and thank God I achieved it. It means a lot to me,” Caminero declared after the match.
The Caminero season has been marked by contrasts at home and on the road. At Steinbrenner Field, he has recorded an offensive line of .323/.359/.620 with 14 doubles and 18 home runs. However, away from home his statistics have been more modest: .174/.219/.383 with six doubles and 12 home runs.
The Rays, who are going through their longest road trip in two decades, hope that this offensive explosion from their star third baseman will be a sign that their performance will also stabilize away from home.
With this surge, Caminero reaffirms his status as one of the most exciting prospects in Dominican baseball and Major League Baseball, as he continues to forge a career that, at his young age, is already beginning to be historic.
Caminero, who turned 22 on July 5th, joins a select group of Dominican hitters who have hit 30 home runs in the same season before or just after turning 22 years old. Only Juan Soto and Albert Pujols had achieved that feat previously.
