Junior Caminero came second to Houston Astros Yordan in the American League Most Valuable Player Award. The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman became the first player in the franchise with the highest finish in the MVP voting. Previously, Evan Longoria and Yandy Díaz shared the organization’s highest finish, with both placing sixth in AL MVP. Caminero had little chance of winning the high-level player award against an impressive Alvarez, who hit 42 home runs in the regular season, the highest in the American League. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. came third in the MVP voting.
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Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) singles during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
But Caminero had an incredible season, helping the Rays reach the World Series. The Rays stunned the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series 3-0 before coming from behind to beat the Cleveland Guardians in the Championship Series 4-2. He is regarded as one of the most talented players to have ever represented Tampa Bay throughout its history. The 23-year-old has been a revelation for the franchise since the 2025 season, and this year he has not let his feet off the gas. Each time the team needs him in high-intensity games, Caminero has often showed up with an RBI or a home run. It was only at the World Series that he wasn’t at his best and he played with a minor discomfort in Game 5.
Source: Yahoo Sports
