It was far from a blockbuster trade at the time, made in the weeks following the 2021 World Series. But the Cleveland Guardians sending Junior Caminero to the Tampa Bay Rays looks like it will long be remembered.
Cleveland received pitcher Tobias Myers in return, and he lasted less than one season with the organization. Meanwhile, Caminero has developed into one of the best power hitters in the game, which is something the current Guardians sorely need.
Bleacher Report analyst Zachary D. Rymer said he believes that Guardians trade is still haunting the team, which is among the worst in the majors in home runs.
“Caminero was a consensus top-five prospect by the time he was entering the 2024 season in the Rays’ system. Cut to now, and his 80 home runs across the last two seasons are the most of any hitter in the American League. Even if Caminero plays the same position as Jose Ramirez, the Guardians sure could use his bat right now. They’re third from the bottom of MLB with a total of 120 home runs,” Rymer wrote.
When the trade was made on Nov. 19. 2021, Caminero was just an 18-year-old prospect. Cleveland signed him as an international free agent when he was 16 years old for a bonus of less than $100,000.
He first played for the organization in the Dominican Summer League in 2021 and showed signs of his potential with nine home runs and a .295 batting average. But at the time, it looked as if Caminero’s road to the majors would be blocked by Ramirez for years to come.
Needing to move Myers in advance of the 2021 Rule 5 Draft, Tampa Bay went shopping for a prospect who did not have to be on its 40-man roster. After Cleveland reportedly offered three other prospects, the Rays insisted on Caminero, and the deal was completed.
Myers made 14 starts for Triple-A Columbus, posting a 1-9 record and 6.00 ERA, and he was designated for assignment in July 2022. He made his MLB debut in 2024, and he currently pitches in Triple-A for the New York Mets.
Caminero arrived in the majors in 2023, and after another brief stint the following year, he became a full-time player last season. He hit 45 home runs with 110 RBIs, and this year he has 35 homers and 81 RBIs with 35 games remaining, as the Rays have the best record in the American League.
So, there is no telling where the Guardians might be in the standings if Caminero were in their lineup.
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