The Rays can thank the Guardians for their biggest star: How a 'bad trade' sent Junior Caminero to Tampa

When the ALCS begins Monday night, the deep ties that bind the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays will be on display. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt began his playing career with the Rays, ditto Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe . Rays slugger Yandy Díaz began his career in Cleveland. Relievers Shawn Armstrong and Kevin Kelly have a history with both teams. Then there's Junior Caminero , Tampa's star third baseman and MVP candidate. Caminero signed with the Guardians as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in July 2019.