# Junior Caminero's Rays Trade Mystery

> How did the Rays steal Junior Caminero from Cleveland in 2021?
- Title: Junior Caminero's Rays Trade Mystery · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: junior caminero, rays, guardians, mlb, al championship series, dominican summer league, rule 5 draft, al all star, sports, Junior, Caminero's, Trade
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/junior-caminero-facing-team-that-traded-him-to-rays-in-2026-alcs
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: junior caminero, rays, guardians, mlb, al championship series, dominican summer league, rule 5 draft, al all star, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.