Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas revealed his true feelings as what could be his final MLB season comes to an end.
Rojas began his MLB career in 2014 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though spent eight years with the Miami Marlins before returning to Los Angeles via trade ahead of the 2023 season. The veteran announced his retirement in 2025, saying 2026 would be his last season, but left his decision open ended.
“It can be that time, I never take it for granted,” Rojas told Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez. “I feel like every opportunity we have to take this field is really special, especially after what happened the last couple of years, not just to me but to the organization and the city.
“…I don’t really know when it’s going to be my last time stepping up to home plate and hearing the crowd cheer for me. That’s the reason why I’m getting emotional. Even though I said I might come back and play if we win the World Series, there’s no guarantee.
Why Did Miguel Rojas Decide to Retire?
Rojas is well aware he can still play in MLB, even beyond this season. But his decision to retire didn’t come from the game catching up to him.
“When I made this decision to retire and play for one more year, it’s not because I felt I couldn’t play,” Rojas said earlier in the season.
“I can still play. I can prepare to go and play shortstop for 100 games. But it’s bigger than that. I’m family-oriented.
Rojas has a wife and two children, and whether or not he continues to play hinges on their approval.
“He asks me, did you watch me play?” Rojas said of his son, Aaron. “I say yes, but I want to be there for him. That’s what my parents did for me
“I think it’s time. I know your time in the game is too short. But at the end of the day, I want to make sure I’m there for him, too.”
Does Miguel Rojas Still Have a Valuable Role?
Rojas, 37, isn’t playing every day for the Dodgers, but still has an extremely important role as a depth infielder. He has made 101 appearances this year despite his supplementary role, and is still posting league average numbers at the plate.
The infielder has four homers and 22 RBIs on the year through 243 trips to the plate, and his .710 OPS marks the third consecutive season in which he’s had a .700 OPS or higher—just the second time he’s done that in his career. He strikes out at an extremely low clip, just 10.7% of the time, and still manages decent quality of contact.
On top of his serviceable bat, Rojas provides exceptional value with his glove.
He has a plus-2 fielding run value this season, ranking just above league average, and his plus-three outs above average rank in the 84th percentile of MLB.
Rojas’ most important role, though, transcends his performance on the diamond. Rojas is a key positive influence in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, and is extremely well liked by his teammates. He earned the Roy Campanella award—given to the Most Inspirational Dodger as voted by the team and coaching staff—in each of the last two seasons, and is just one of three players to win the award in consecutive seasons.
With just six games remaining in the regular season, Rojas’ sights are sure to shift towards the postseason, where he and the Dodgers will look to complete a historic three-peat to close a fantastic career.
One Response
There are players that one dislikes for their behavior on or off the field. There are players that one admires and respects for their behavior on or off the field. And then there are those rare paragons who are subject to more than just your admiration and respect. These are the players that you hope and pray will have a good life outside of your immediate viewing. You want them to be happy and secure at home and wherever they go. You want them to be successful outside of their current role. You almost feel that you have a personal job to wish them on to be happy and fulfilled. Miggy is one of those players. You want him to succeed. He’ll never be a member of the 50-50 club, but his value to the team and to the fans transcends mere batting and fielding. I sincerely hope he does go on to serve in some managerial leadership role with the club and brings his positivity and wisdom to whatever position he is given. If he does that, the Dodgers will keep being the champions they are for more years than I have left to live.