Locked On MLB Prospects - Daily Podcast on Minor League Baseball · Locked On Podcast Network, Lindsay Crosby

2024 Tampa Bay Rays prospects: Junior Caminero is one of MLB's best sluggers

·32 min·2 clips

Junior Caminero's 111 mph exit velocity puts him in the same category as Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.

This episode analyzes the Tampa Bay Rays farm system, focusing on top prospect Junior Caminero. Host Lindsay Crosby, an award-winning baseball writer, evaluates several minor leaguers likely to impact the major league team. Crosby states Junior Caminero, acquired via trade from Cleveland, possesses elite power evidenced by a 90th percentile exit velocity of 111 mph, a figure surpassed only by Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani. He hit .324 with 31 homers across Double-A and High-A in 2023 and saw brief MLB action. Shortstop prospect Carson Williams is highlighted for his elite defense and a 90th percentile exit velocity of 107 mph, though he has contact issues against breaking balls. Catcher Dominic Keegan is noted for his offensive approach and raw power, with questions about his defensive development at catcher. Pitcher Mason Montgomery succeeds with a deceptive delivery despite average velocity, while infielder Austin Shenton posted a high OPS despite middling underlying contact metrics. Infielders Curtis Mead and Osleivis Basabe are discussed as near-ready players with differing profiles: Mead is the better hitter with a low launch angle, and Basabe is a versatile defender with a high ground-ball rate. Lower-level prospects include first baseman Xavier Isaac, a power hitter with strong plate discipline, and first baseman Tre' Morgan, renowned for elite defense. Third baseman Brayden Taylor is viewed as a well-rounded, high-floor player. Caminero's combination of elite exit velocity, a high contact rate (80% in the zone), and defensive versatility at third and shortstop creates a uniquely high ceiling. The analysis suggests that despite being listed at 157 pounds, Caminero's actual build is closer to 210 pounds, which doesn't hinder his athleticism. Carson Williams' defensive prowess is so trusted that the Rays did not cross-train him at other positions, unlike many of their prospects. Dominic Keegan's exceptional patience (a 38% swing rate) in the lower minors presents a key test as he faces more precise upper-minors pitching. For Mason Montgomery, his high walk rate may stem from a deliberate strategy to avoid the heart of the strike zone rather than poor control. The tone is analytical and educational, blending statistical analysis with firsthand scouting observations from the minor leagues. The style is conversational and detailed, aimed at informed fans and fantasy baseball players. Listeners interested in top-tier power prospects and detailed scouting reports on future Rays contributors will find this episode valuable. Those seeking game-day analysis or broader MLB news might prefer to skip this deep dive into a specific farm system.

As heard by us

A grounded Rays prospect report that balances Caminero’s power with real development questions.

The piece opens with Junior Caminero as the headliner, then uses him to widen the lens on Rays prospects and the old question of how much the bat can cover for the glove. Dominic Keegan gets the clearest treatment.

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Why you'd press play

You want a clean read on whether Caminero's bat is already playing at star level.

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