Three Finalists, Zero Winners: Tampa Bay Rays Left Empty-Handed in MLB Awards

Let's begin this by asking a question.

How does the Tampa Bay Rays finish with the best record in the American League, have three finalists for major individual awards, and walk away without a single winner?

That's exactly what happened following the announcement of baseball's end-of-season awards, as Junior Caminero, Kevin Cash and Bryan Baker all came up short despite their impressive accomplishments.

And while each award winner certainly had a legitimate argument, it's difficult not to feel like Tampa Bay deserved more recognition.

Especially considering what Caminero accomplished throughout the 2026 season.

The 22-year-old third baseman finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player voting behind Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez.

However, perhaps the most surprising part of the results was that Caminero didn't receive a single first-place vote.

Not one.

Caminero finished the regular season batting .276 with 42 home runs and 101 RBI while starting all 162 games for the Rays.

He also played an important role in helping Tampa Bay capture the American League East division title and finish with a 98-64 record.

And while Alvarez certainly put together an impressive season, batting .316 with 42 home runs and 106 RBI, it's difficult to understand how Caminero couldn't receive even one first-place vote.

Especially considering the young third baseman received 27 second-place votes.

Finishing behind Alvarez isn't necessarily disrespectful.

However, failing to receive a single first-place vote after the season Caminero put together is another conversation entirely.

Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, Caminero wasn't the only player who failed to receive recognition.

Rays closer Bryan Baker finished third in the American League Reliever of the Year voting, falling behind Toronto Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland and Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith.

Baker finished the regular season with 41 saves and a remarkable 1.44 ERA, establishing himself as one of baseball's most reliable closers.

He also converted his final 30 save opportunities without a blown save.

And while Varland certainly deserved consideration, it's difficult to overlook what Baker accomplished in Tampa Bay's bullpen.

Especially considering how important his performance was to the organization's success.

The disappointing results continued with Rays manager Kevin Cash.

Despite leading Tampa Bay to the best record in the American League, Cash finished second in the Manager of the Year voting behind Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable.

Cash received 12 first-place votes compared to Venable's 15, finishing just 13 points behind the eventual winner.

And while Venable deserves recognition for helping Chicago improve from 60 to 84 victories, Cash guided the Rays to 98 wins after finishing the previous season with a 77-85 record.

That's a 21-win improvement for an organization that entered the season with one of baseball's lowest payrolls.

Tampa Bay also exceeded its preseason projections by 19 victories while competing in one of baseball's most difficult divisions.

Yet somehow, that wasn't enough for Cash to receive his third career Manager of the Year Award.

Of course, all three award winners had impressive seasons and deserved consideration.

However, that doesn't mean Rays fans can't be frustrated with the results.

Tampa Bay finished with the best record in the American League, captured another division championship, and received three finalists for major individual awards.

And somehow, none of them won.

Perhaps the most disappointing part remains Caminero's MVP finish.

Nobody is suggesting Alvarez didn't deserve the award.

However, considering Caminero's production, durability, and importance to Tampa Bay's success, receiving zero first-place votes is difficult to understand. On the bright side, Caminero moving up to 2nd in voting compared to 9th last season is definitely a strong reminder of how he is clearly the franchise player and one of the best young stars in the game.

The Rays certainly have plenty to be proud of following their impressive 2026 season, it's difficult not to feel like the organization deserved more recognition. Especially considering everything Caminero, Baker, and Cash accomplished.