Junior Caminero will bring his power-hitting back to the All-Star Home Run Derby, committing to compete in Philadelphia on July 13. The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman showed off his multicolored bat last year, advancing to the final round before falling to Seattle's Cal Raleigh in an 18-15 slugfest that delivered strong ESPN ratings.

Caminero's impressive 2025 season saw him launch 45 home runs, ranking sixth in Major League Baseball. That total trailed only Raleigh's 60 homers for the league lead. The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native entered Tuesday's game at Kansas City with 22 homers this year, demonstrating consistent power that makes him a legitimate threat in any long-ball contest.

MLB is making significant changes to this year's Home Run Derby format. The league eliminated the clock, giving each hitter exactly 20 swings in the opening round. Players who homer on their final swing continue until they fail to connect, with the top four advancing and longest homer distance serving as the tiebreaker. This shift coincides with Netflix taking over broadcasting duties from ESPN, which had televised the event since 1994.

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout recently indicated he likely won't participate in the derby, leaving the spotlight on sluggers like Caminero. His return to the competition gives fans another reason to tune in as baseball transitions this marquee event to its new streaming home.