FanGraphs displays a bold stat line for Rays young infielder in latest projections

FanGraphs has unleashed their Steamer stat projections for the 2025 season. Most of the predictions appear to be accurate, as polished stars were found near the top for most statistical categories. However, one unproven infielder stood out from the rest of the field.

The well-known baseball stats' site placed Rays rookie third baseman, Junior Caminero among the MLB's best in multiple offensive categories. The 21-year old is projected to mash 29 home runs and collect 91 RBIs next season. This impressive stat line would give the Dominican-born slugger the 3rd most home runs and RBIs among American League third basemen, behind only Rafael Devers and Jose Ramirez.

Surprisingly, FanGraphs gave Caminero the edge over some other well-established MLB players. He is projected to out-homer Tristan Casas, Adolis Garcia, Francisco Lindor, and former MVP outfielder, Ronald Acuna Jr. This is noticeably high praise for such a youthful talent. He will have to display stellar prowess to live up to those measures.

Regardless, it should be very exciting news for Rays fans as we await Caminero's first full season in the majors. It's difficult to know exactly what kind of impact the power hitter will have for the Rays, but it seems like he is getting similar hype as switch-hitting shortstop, Wander Franco did when he got called up to the big leagues.

Hopefully, Caminero performs as advertised for the 2025 campaign because the Rays could certainly use the offensive boost. We saw spurts of brilliance from the slick infielder in 2024, as he was called up to occupy third base towards the end of the year.

Caminero slashed .248/.299/.424 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in the small sample size. One of his most memorable performances was during a late-August series against the reigning World Series champions in Los Angeles. He went 6-for-13 with two homers to aid the Rays in taking a game from the powerhouse Dodgers.

However, the free-swinger's strikeout numbers were a tad concerning as he was punched out 38 times in only 43 exhibitions.

Nonetheless, his potential as a power hitter in this league is nothing short of eye-opening. The slugger already presents one of the sweetest right-handed swings in the sport. It will be fun to watch this rising star continue to make a name for himself at the highest level.