The Houston Astros are currently fighting for a playoff spot, and if they miss the playoffs, it will certainly hurt Yordan Alvarez’s chances of winning the American League MVP award.
But even if the Texas team makes the playoffs, that honor should go to Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Just last night (Tuesday), the 23-year-old sensation hit a home run in the ninth inning to give his team the win over the Sacramento Athletics. It was the young slugger’s second game-winning home run in four games.
YOUNG CAMINERO DOES IT AGAIN
: THE RAYS DEFEAT OUT HOMER! pic.twitter.com/CYqMxffBmG
— MLB (@MLB) September 16, 2026
Caminero now has 41 home runs this season, leading the league in that category, with an OPS just under .900 and nearly 100 RBIs.
Considering the Rays are currently the best team in the American League, he should be considered a standout player on that side of the grid.
It’s worth noting that Tampa Bay has been the big surprise this Major League Baseball season. Few believed the Rays could reach .500, let alone have the best record in the American League. However, now they are exactly at this level – and this is largely thanks to the performances of Caminero.
As Florida tries to secure home-field advantage all the way to the World Series after a recent playoff appearance, Caminero has taken his game to the next level—even under pressure.
Admittedly, Alvarez also played very well for the Astros, and many believe he deserves MVP honors. But in my book, Junior Caminero’s name should be pulled out of a hat in mid-November.
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