If you looked closely at the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ postseason celebrations, you surely noticed that the first to give a speech was Miguel Rojas, the Venezuelan infielder. Just as in the playoffs, “Miggy Ro” was one of the vocal leaders within the clubhouse of the world champions. It is a responsibility that the player does not really choose, but rather earns it with his leadership. What the Los Teques shortstop did throughout his Major League career led him to establish himself as one of the captains within the Californian organization.
Of course, this must be backed up with good performances on the field of play; And at 35 years old, Rojas had possibly the best season of his career so far. The Venezuelan saw action in 103 games and left an offensive line of .238 AVG / .337 OBP / .410 SLG / .748 OPS / 113 OPS+. For the first time he was above the league average in OPS+ with at least 100 games played. He hit 6 home runs and 21 doubles. A more than solid campaign, taking into account his age, the number of injuries suffered and that he has always been characterized by being an extraordinary defender.
Gavin Lux’s defensive struggles forced the Dodgers to name Mookie Betts as their shortstop just days into Spring Training. Miguel Rojas, who had assumed ownership due to Lux’s withdrawal in 2023, was destined to occupy the utility position. However, an injury to Betts in the middle of the campaign led the Creole back to being the everyday shortstop in Los Angeles, a position to which he has already been accustomed since his days in Miami. Once again, Rojas more than delivered.
Defensively he once again showed great skills and also accompanied them with the wood. He put up respectable numbers and struck out rarely, in just 11.3% of his at-bats, which is in the Top-3% of the league.
During the last two months of the season, including the playoffs, Rojas was dealing with a hernia in the inguinal area, which is why he was limited in the final stretch of the regular round and much of the postseason. His absence opened the door for Tommy Edman, who also won the National League Championship Series MVP award. However, despite the injuries and low production, the Dodgers left the Venezuelan on their roster, knowing his defensive value and the quality at-bats he could consume.
For Mookie Betts he was a mentor when making the transition to shortstop. The superstar did not fail to thank him or give him credit for his defensive growth in short stops, referring to Rojas as one of the best Short Stops in all of baseball.
🚨 Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas 🗣️
• There a different ways to field different types of ground balls
• Creating game like scenarios to add pressure
• Notice how they talk through what they are about to do, then do it⭐️ Being able to use your imagination to create game… pic.twitter.com/HrYjv9bLum
— Baseball IQ (@BaseballIQ_App) July 10, 2024
That leadership, added to the contribution he gave on the field, is what led the Los Angeles team to quickly make a decision regarding its future and exercise the option for 2025 for $5M. They consider it important enough to help them revalidate their title in the next harvest.
For Miguel Rojas it will be his 12th season on the ‘Big Show’. He has already achieved two of the most important goals for any player: the World Series and 10 years of service. Both came to him in 2024, which has been so special for him, having also achieved the Venezuelan and Caribbean titles with the Tiburones de La Guaira.
