Tampa Bay Rays announce season awards

Tampa Bay Rays Junior Caminero MLB awards Don Zimmer Trophy Paul C. Smith Champion

The Tampa Bay Rays' local chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) has announced its season awards. Dominican third baseman Junior Caminero earned the Don Zimmer Trophy as the team's Most Valuable Player. At 23 years old, Caminero is the first player in Rays history to win the award in consecutive seasons, finishing the campaign with 41 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an .897 OPS.

Nick Martínez, a 36-year-old veteran in his first season with Tampa Bay, received the Paul C. Smith Champion award for the club's top pitcher. Martínez posted a 15-4 record with a 2.94 ERA and only 24 walks in 171.1 innings.

Cuban outfielder Víctor Mesa Jr. was also honored for his contributions since his MLB debut in late May. Mesa Jr. recorded 13 home runs and nine stolen bases with a .821 OPS, ranking fourth among Rays offensive players with 2.7 bWAR. The Rays entered the final nine days of the regular season with a 93-60 record, holding a four-game lead in the American League East and having secured a postseason berth.

Entities

BBWAA · Junior Caminero · Nick Martinez · Tampa Bay Rays · Victor Mesa Jr.

Sources

Junior Caminero repite como jugador mas valioso de los Rays - Conexión 23 [conexion23.com]

6 days ago

Caminero, Mesa Jr. y Martínez ganan premios con Tampa [www.enlacedigital.com.do]

6 days ago

Victor Mesa Jr. Continues to Shine: Hits 14th Home Run in Rookie Season with Tampa Bay [www.cubaheadlines.com]

6 days ago

Junior Caminero repite como jugador mas valioso de los Rays [almomento.net]

7 days ago

Jonrón 14 de Víctor Mesa Jr. impulsa triunfo de Tampa Bay [www.directoriocubano.info]

5 days ago

Julio Rodríguez y Nasím Núñez son nominados al premio Roberto Clemente 2026 [eldia.com.do]

5 days ago