Junior Caminero Talks Possible Rays Contract Extension Ahead of 2026 MLB Season

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero discussed signing a potential contract extension with the team prior to the 2026 season.

"I'd like to, but this is not my decision," Caminero told reporters. "I feel this is my city, Tampa. I love Tampa, but this is not my decision. I'll control what I control. Just go play, have fun."

Caminero is under club control with the Rays through the end of the 2030 season.

Erik Neander, Tampa Bay's president of baseball operations, appeared to be willing to take a patient approach regarding a possible extension for Caminero when speaking to reporters at the end of the 2025 season.

"We'll see. There's a lot of time for that," Neander said, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "Just right now, couldn't be more pleased with his progress. And we've got another five years here to figure out what's ahead."

Caminero is set to enter his fourth season with the Rays, as they first called him up in 2023.

The 22-year-old finally received consistent playing time during the 2025 season and thrived, hitting .264 with 28 doubles, 41 walks, 45 home runs and 110 RBI. He also posted an .846 OPS.

Caminero earned an All-Star nod and finishing No. 9 in American League MVP voting for his efforts.

He particularly excelled down the stretch of the season, owning a .305/.371/.558 slash line over his final 25 appearances.

Despite Caminero's strong individual year, the Rays could choose to see if he's able to replicate his production in 2026 before making a decision on an extension.

In the meantime, Tampa Bay will head into its 2026 campaign looking to end a two-year postseason drought.