The Los Angeles Dodgers were down to their final two outs against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series before veteran utility man Miguel Rojas launched a solo home run to tie the game. As miraculous as the moment was to save their season, Rojas hadn’t even recorded a hit in a calendar month going into the Fall Classic finale.
Rojas detailed the excitement after one of the most clutch postseason home runs in recent memory, but also what superstar Shohei Ohtani said to him amid the celebration.
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“I think one of the coolest things that happened in my life so far, I hit the homer, and everyone is on top of me right there in front of the dugout,” Rojas said. “Then Shohei, he’s hitting next, right? He pops it up to left to make it two outs in the inning, came back to the dugout, and I’m by the bat rack, and he says, ‘Miggy, you can’t retire next year, you’re playing with me for 10 more years.’
“And I got a picture of him kinda like holding me, and telling me that I can’t retire next year, that I have to play 10 more years, and I say, Shohei, I’m old. I don’t think I can play for 10 more years, but I’ll play with you next year for sure.”
Rojas was above average at the plate this season, batting .262 with a bWAR of 2.1, but his skill on defense and ability to be plugged in virtually anywhere was an exceptional bonus for LA amid their depth issues this season. He finished as a Gold Glove finalist for the utility position, and logged appearances at second and third base, shortstop, and even a handful of innings at first base and as a relief pitcher.
For someone such as Ohtani to not just ask for Rojas to return for 2026, but for the next decade, only speaks to Rojas’ leadership in the clubhouse and impact beyond the box score.
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Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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