Spanish
SANTO DOMINGO. – The third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, Junior Caminero, was confirmed as a member of the Dominican team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as announced this Monday by manager Albert Pujols.
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Pujols highlighted that Caminero earned his spot thanks to the extraordinary campaign he starred in during the 2025 Major League season, his first full year at the highest level. The young third baseman shined with 45 home runs, 110 RBIs, 93 runs scored, a .264 average and an OPS of .846, numbers that not only catapulted him to his first All-Star Game, but also made him a finalist in the Home Run Derby. Caminero, who on multiple occasions expressed his desire to wear the Dominican jersey —even stating that he would participate “even if it's as a bat boy”— will finally see his wish to represent the country fulfilled. "La Máxima", as he is nicknamed, will compete for playing time in a luxury position that includes names like José Ramírez, Manny Machado, and Rafael Devers, which could place him in a secondary role within the team, although his offensive talent makes him a valuable piece for the roster. The announcement comes at a time of great expectation for Dominican baseball, prior to the exhibition games between Dominican Republic and the Detroit Tigers, and on the eve of one of the most anticipated international competitions in the sport. Junior Caminero thus joins the list of young figures seeking to make their mark on the world stage wearing the colors of the Dominican Republic.
