ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays’ offensive prowess has been recognized as Louisville Slugger today announced that three of the club’s star hitters—Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Brandon Lowe—have been named American League (AL) finalists for the prestigious Silver Slugger Award.
The Rays’ representation spans three positions: Caminero at third base, Díaz at designated hitter, and Lowe at second base. This marks the third time in franchise history the Rays have had three Silver Slugger finalists in a single season.
Caminero’s Historic Power Surge at Third Base
At just 22 years old, Junior Caminero delivered a historic campaign at third base, earning him a spot alongside Boston’s Alex Bregman and Cleveland’s José Ramírez. The first-time All-Star slashed .264/.311/.535 with a staggering 45 home runs, 110 RBI, and 93 runs across 154 games.
Caminero dominated AL third basemen, leading the position in home runs, extra-base hits (73), RBI, slugging percentage, and total bases. His 45 homers made him just the second Ray ever to hit 40 or more, joining Carlos Peña (46 in 2007), and put him in elite company as one of only two players in major league history to tally 45 or more home runs in an age-21-or-younger season. Should he win, Caminero would become the second Rays third baseman to receive the honor, following Evan Longoria in 2009, and the youngest player in franchise history to claim a Silver Slugger.
Díaz Seeks Second Career Award at DH
Last year’s AL first base Silver Slugger winner, Yandy Díaz, is a finalist at designated hitter, competing with the Athletics’ Brent Rooker and Toronto’s George Springer. Díaz, 34, is seeking his second career Silver Slugger, which would make him the first multi-time recipient for the Rays organization.
In a career-best 150 games, Díaz hit .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI, and 79 runs. He was one of only six qualified AL hitters to post a .300 average or better and his 53 multi-hit games tied for the major league lead—a first for a Rays player. Díaz’s exceptional hitting was highlighted by leading the majors with 260 hard-hit balls on the season, the highest total by a Rays batter in the Statcast era.
Lowe Aims for First Award at Second Base
Two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe, 31, is looking to capture his first Silver Slugger Award, which would also make him the first Rays second baseman to win the accolade. He is a finalist alongside the Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Seattle’s Jorge Polanco.
Lowe batted .256/.307/.477 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI over 131 games. His 31 homers tied for the most among all MLB second basemen and made him the third Ray to record multiple 30-homer seasons. He led AL second basemen in RBI and extra-base hits (50) and tied for the lead in runs scored. Lowe also had a franchise-record-tying 20-game hitting streak from June 11 to July 5.
The Silver Slugger Awards recognize the best offensive player at each position in both leagues, with winners selected based on a combination of offensive statistics and the general impressions of managers and coaches. The AL winners will be announced on Friday, Nov. 7.
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