From Mlb · · 1m 10s
Junior Caminero's Rays Trade Mystery
How did the Rays steal Junior Caminero from Cleveland in 2021?
In brief
How did the Rays steal Junior Caminero from Cleveland in 2021? Junior Caminero was traded from Cleveland to Tampa Bay in 2021, now a two-time AL All-Star with 87 homers, after the Rays identified his unique bat sound early. Originally reported by Mlb.
Caminero traded to Rays
Junior Caminero was traded to the Rays in November 2021 at age 18.
Caminero's early career
Caminero signed for $87,500 in Cleveland and played one season in the Dominican Summer League.
Caminero's confusion
Caminero questioned why Cleveland traded him after only one year in the Dominican Summer League.
Rays' scouting
Rays' scouts noticed Caminero's unique bat sound during workouts in the Dominican Republic.
Rays' decision
Rays acquired Caminero for right-hander Tobias Myers, a Rule 5 Draft eligible player.
Rays' early success
Caminero earned promotion to Single-A Charleston in 2022 and played in the Wild Card Series in 2023.
Rays' strategy
Rays invested in scouting Rookie-level leagues to find Caminero's unique bat sound.
Caminero's current status
Caminero is a two-time AL All-Star with 87 homers and an MVP candidate for the Rays.
What matters most
Junior Caminero was traded from Cleveland to Tampa Bay in 2021, now a two-time AL All-Star with 87 homers, after the Rays identified his unique bat sound early.
