What happened: Junior Caminero has already drawn 47 walks in 2026, more than the 41 he collected across all of 2025. He turns 23 on Sunday. Albert Pujols stays in regular contact by text and phone, reminding the young hitter not to chase pitches out of the zone.
Why it matters: For a hitter this young, a rising walk rate is one of the clearest markers of maturation — an improving batting eye tends to sustain production as pitchers adjust. Clearing his full-season 2025 walk total this early signals a more disciplined approach at the plate, and the steady mentorship from a hitter of Pujols' pedigree underscores the trajectory.
By the numbers: 2026 walks: 47, already above the 41 he drew in all of 2025. He turns 23 on Sunday. Caminero has also homered in six straight games.
What to watch: Watch whether the walk rate holds as the season wears on and pitchers adjust, and whether the improved discipline keeps his power surge going.