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The Tampa Bay Rays' prospect pipeline is overflowing with promise, but Junior Caminero stands out as the crown jewel. Over the last four seasons, the 21-year-old phenom has dominated minor league pitching, leaving fantasy baseball enthusiasts chomping at the bit for his inevitable return to the majors.
Tampa Bay's ownership is notorious for its methodical approach toward young talent, and Caminero is no exception. They're playing the long game, especially considering his most recent injury, a left quadriceps strain which caused him to miss the entire month of June and the beginning of July.
When will we finally see Junior Caminero at the MLB level? Let's take a look.
Junior Caminero Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball
The upside for the current third-overall prospect in baseball speaks for itself. Ever since being acquired from Cleveland for pitcher Tobias Meyers in 2021, all Caminero has done is hit the ball. He possesses a contact/power combo that is uncanny, showcased by his .306 average, 62 home runs, 207 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and .923 OPS over his 1,004 minor league at-bats.
Notes/lineups @DurhamBulls#JuniorCaminero & #OsleivisBasabe activated from IL yesterday; #Caminero (L quad) in 1st game since 5/28; #Basabe (fractured wrist) in first since 4/16
With more potential inbound rain today, @RaysBaseball Springs (TJ) starts G1, #JoeRock G2#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/SFbwfPibyQ
— Patrick Kinas 🇺🇦 (@PatrickKinas) July 20, 2024
Now, skeptics might point to Caminero's glove work as a potential roadblock. Sure, he's still polishing his defensive skills, and should eventually grade out as a serviceable defender, but he's got an above-average arm, and his offensive firepower is so potent that the Rays might be willing to roll with some growing pains in the field. They could ease him into the lineup at DH or give him a shot at the hot corner, where his rocket arm would be a valuable asset.
Caminero's scorching bat might force their hand earlier than anticipated. The Rays are always perennial contenders, currently sitting only 4.5 games out of the third Wild Card (at the time of writing), and if they find themselves in need of an offensive jolt, Junior could be their ace in the hole.
Junior Caminero Outlook for Fantasy Baseball
After a brief cup of coffee with the big league club in 2023 (seven games), when Caminero finally gets the nod this year, expect him to hit the ground running. This isn't your run-of-the-mill rookie, he's got the tools to make waves from day one. A .270 average with 10-15 bombs and a sprinkling of steals in the second half alone isn't out of the question. That's the kind of waiver wire production that can tip the scales in your fantasy league.
LA MAXIMA
Junior Caminero smashes a 3⃣9⃣5⃣ foot homer to make it 5-1 Bulls!
Junior's now 3-for-3 with 2 runs, a homer & 2 RBI as a second baseman this season.
Decent. pic.twitter.com/JPqP9yudFM
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) May 14, 2024
For the savvy fantasy manager, Caminero is a must-stash prospect. We're talking about a budding star with the potential to crank 30+ homers annually. If you've got an available NA slot, and he's still sitting there, snapping him up now could pay massive dividends during the fantasy playoffs.
The buzz surrounding Caminero is reaching a fever pitch, so don't drag your feet. This kid's got future All-Star written all over him, and when it comes time for his big league comeback tour, strike fast. Junior Caminero could be the X-Factor that propels your fantasy squad to glory in 2024.
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