Dodgers: Miguel Rojas is Already Leaning Into Role as Veteran Leader
Not only does it take skilled players to make a successful team but it also takes a strong sense of leadership from some of the more seasoned players. That’s what makes for not only a good season but a prosperous future as well.
The Dodgers are well known for their consistency of winning seasons but it requires players like Miguel Rojas and previously, Justin Turner to step up and bring up the next generation of Dodgers players.
After spending the past eight years with the Marlins, Rojas will return to Los Angeles where he kicked off his MLB debut. Now that he’s returned to the Dodgers, he’s already expressed an interest in building up the next guys who are expected to get their big break this upcoming season.
The 33-year-old infielder hopped on an interview to share how he plans to fill in the leadership role which was previously occupied by our beloved Justin Turner before he took off for Boston.
“I already reached out to a couple guys that I think I can help. They have a young phenom that is going to be part of the mix as well, Miguel Vargas. He’s Cuban, he’s living in Miami and we’ve already been in touch. He reached out and said he wants to work with me on defense. …
I’ve been in contact with Diego Cartaya as well. I’m going to be working with those kids and try to help them in any way that I can. I just want to make us better.”
Miguel Vargas got his first major league start this past season in which he appeared in 18 games repping the Dodger blue. In those 47 at-bats, he had 8 hits including a home run, and scored 4 runs in his debut season. Miggy, who could appear in the outfield or at third base this season, is a three-time MiLB All-Star and is the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect.
Cartaya is another one of the Dodgers’ highly anticipated players who will most likely get his MLB debut this season. The 21-year-old power hitter is a catcher and was named the No. 1 prospect in the 2018 international signing class. He’s expected to make some waves this season and beyond.
And luckily these guys and more including LA prospect, Bobby Miller, have some studs to look up to including a helpful hand in Rojas to guide them along their journey.
“So that’s the kind of things where you don’t have to show up to the clubhouse and show off your leadership. People will notice if they’ve been paying attention. And for me, that’s the kind of leadership that I want to bring to the clubhouse. Lead by example and actually be there for the teammates that actually want my help.”
What’s there not to like about this guy already? Sure Rojas’ stats aren’t the most impressive as he recently posted a .236 AVG last season but he also is one of the best defenders in the game. Plus, he’s clearly invested in the bigger picture which is making the whole team better. A true class act.
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