The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero and outfielder Chandler Simpson have been named finalists for the American League Silver Slugger Awards.
And while both players accomplished some impressive things at the plate, their approaches to helping Tampa Bay win games couldn't have been more different.
Caminero continued establishing himself as one of baseball's most dangerous young power hitters, finishing the regular season batting .276 with 42 home runs, 101 RBIs, and 100 runs scored.
The 23-year-old also recorded a .360 on-base percentage and .884 OPS while appearing in all 162 games.
Those numbers helped Caminero earn his second consecutive All-Star selection, along with recognition as one of three finalists for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
And while Caminero finished with three fewer home runs than he recorded in 2025, his overall offensive production improved.
Perhaps his most impressive development came with his approach at the plate, improving his on-base percentage from .311 in 2025 to .360 this season.
Caminero will compete against Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas, who finished the regular season with 33 home runs and an .837 OPS.
However, Caminero isn't the only Rays player with an opportunity to take home some hardware.
Simpson finished the regular season batting .306 while leading the American League with 46 stolen bases.
And while Simpson didn't hit a single home run throughout the season, his offensive contributions were still enough to earn recognition among the league's best outfielders.
That's particularly impressive considering the Silver Slugger Award has traditionally recognized some of baseball's most productive power hitters.
In fact, only two non-pitchers have previously won a Silver Slugger Award without recording a home run during the regular season.
Pete Rose accomplished the feat in 1981, while Ozzie Smith followed in 1987.
Simpson now has an opportunity to join that exclusive group.
However, winning the award won't necessarily be easy.
Simpson faces competition from several talented American League outfielders, including former Rays star Randy Arozarena, Mike Trout, Cody Bellinger, and Riley Greene.
Three outfielders will ultimately receive the award.
And while Caminero and Simpson have completely different approaches offensively, both played important roles in helping Tampa Bay finish with a 98-64 record, capturing the American League East title and securing the league's top postseason seed.
Their individual recognition also comes as the Rays have been named a finalist for the American League Offensive Team of the Year Silver Slugger Award.
Tampa Bay finished the regular season with a .258 team batting average, the best in the American League.
And considering the offensive contributions from players such as Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, Caminero and Simpson, that recognition certainly isn't surprising.
The Silver Slugger Award winners will officially be announced November 17.
