Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas expressed frustration over the insurance issues that kept him from participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“I don’t see that happening with the United States, or happening with Japan. And I’m not trying to attack anybody or attack what’s going on … But if I can still play in the big-leagues for the Dodgers, why am I not going to play for my team in Venezuela and represent my country?” Rojas said at DodgerFest Saturday.
Earlier this week, Rojas announced he would not play for Team Venezuela in the WBC because of issues with insurance.
“I am very sad today,” Rojas wrote in a caption translate from Spanish to English. “It’s a real shame not to be able to represent my country and wear that flag on my chest.
“On this occasion, age was not just a number.”
It marks the second consecutive time Rojas has missed the tournament.
Why Did Miguel Rojas Miss the 2023 World Baseball Classic?
Rojas did not compete in the last WBC, which was in 2023, because the Dodgers needed him to take over as the team’s primary shortstop.
Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training and Rojas opted to withdraw from the tournament in order to focus on his new role with the Dodgers.
Miguel Rojas Plans to Retire After the 2026 Season
The veteran infielder told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain in October that he plans on retiring at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
“It’s been a wild ride,” Rojas said after the Dodgers clinched the National League Division Series. “I’ve given it everything that I have every single night for the four years that I’ve been here. And hopefully I can finish my career here next year. Because I’m going to retire after next year.”
The 37-year-old debuted with L.A. in 2014 before being traded to the Miami Marlins. He spent eight years in Miami and is now entering his fourth season with the Dodgers. In his first stint with L.A., Rojas had a key memorable moment by saving Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter.
In his second stint with the Dodgers, Rojas became a World Series hero after hitting the game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
