When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Roki Sasaki to a Minor League contract, it was accompanied by news that Miguel Rojas would be changing jersey numbers for the 2025 season.
Rojas, who wore the No. 11 in each of the last three seasons, has gone back to No. 72 for the first time since his rookie campaign. Sasaki takes over the No. 11 with the Dodgers, which is what his idol Yu Darvish has worn for the majority of his MLB career.
“A lot of people have been asking me what I want in return. I’m not looking for anything, to be honest with you,” Rojas said at DodgerFest.
“These number changes happen the other way around. Like, a young player has to give it up to a veteran player that has done a lot in the game. I have done a lot in the game. I don’t need anything, to be honest with you. I just want to win.
“I just want Roki Sasaki on my team, and that’s what I’m looking toward. I’m excited to see what this guy can bring to our team. I’m more than happy just to see him feel comfortable and feel good.
“That’s what I’ve said all this time. When guys come from a different culture, from a different country, I want them to feel comfortable in the clubhouse. If a number makes him feel comfortable, that’s what I’m going to do. I’ve been saying it, and now I have to follow through.”
Rojas originally hinted at his number change with posts on Instagram with the captions “It’s time” and “Back to the roots.”
Rojas wore the No. 72 when he made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in June 2014. Later that month, he made a tremendous backhanded play at third base to save Clayton Kershaw’s only no-hitter of his career.
Rojas also wore No. 19 while with the Miami Marlins before changing to 11. He couldn’t stick with No. 19 upon returning to the Dodgers before the 2023 season due to it being retired for Jim Gilliam.
Roki Sasaki planning gift for Miguel Rojas
Prior to Rojas’ recent comments, Sasaki indicated he planned to give the veteran shortstop some form of compensation for giving up his No. 11 jersey number.
While Rojas is adamant about that not being necessary, he’s mindful of how Japanese culture views gift-giving and that accepting something could be another way of making Sasaki feel comfortable.
“I will take anything that Roki wants to give me. I’m not going to say no to something, but I’m not asking for anything,” Rojas noted.
“I will be really happy if he can give me the best starts on the mound and be a good teammate of mine. Hopefully we can develop a good relationship and I can help him feel better in the clubhouse and off the field.
“I know we’re going to have a lot of fun on plane rides and on the bus. I’m going to treat him as a rookie, as you guys know, but at the same time, hopefully he enjoys being in L.A. and hopefully the number makes him feel better.”
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