Two players from the 2026 Tampa Bay Rays squad have earned recognition as finalists for the American League Silver Slugger awards. While one nomination comes as an expected milestone following another dominant power campaign, the other inclusion highlights an exceptional season built entirely on speed and contact rather than home runs.
Junior Caminero
A nominee at third base for the American League, Caminero stands as a clear favorite for the honor following his second straight season with over 40 home runs at just 22 years old. His impressive 2026 campaign also featured 100 runs scored, 101 RBIs, a 148 wRC+, and a league-leading bat speed of 79.4 MPH. He competes against Miguel Vargas of the White Sox, who posted 33 home runs and a 134 wRC+.
Chandler Simpson
Simpson earned a spot among the outfield finalists, putting him in contention to become only the third player in history to win a Silver Slugger without hitting a home run, following Ozzie Smith in 1987 and Pete Rose in 1981. The other American League outfield finalists include Wilyer Abreu of the Red Sox, Randy Arozarena of the Mariners, Cody Bellinger of the Yankees, Jac Caglianone of the Royals, Chase DeLauter of the Guardians, Riley Greene of the Tigers, Tristan Peters of the White Sox, and Mike Trout of the Angels.
According to the announcement, Abreu, Arozarena, Caglianone, DeLauter, Peters, and Simpson are seeking their first career Silver Slugger awards. Meanwhile, Trout is aiming to become just the third player in history to claim ten Silver Slugger honors, joining Barry Bonds with 12 and Mike Piazza with 10.
In terms of wRC+ among qualified hitters, the league leaders include Arozarena at 151, Greene at 136, DeLauter at 131, and Caglianone at 129. Trout ranks sixth with a 129 wRC+, while Simpson sits 20th at 93. Despite the lower power metrics, Simpson leads the league with a .306 batting average, ahead of Caglianone at .289.
Simpson also paces all American League outfielders in stolen bases with 46, well ahead of Arozarena, who ranks second with 26.
