Miguel Rojas is in the midst of a strong season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but his value goes beyond contributions on the field.
The veteran shortstop is one of the most respected voices in the Dodgers clubhouse and particularly has a close relationship with the team’s other infielders. Rojas has worked with the likes of Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux and Max Muncy before games to help them improve defensively.
Rojas knows he is approaching the end of his playing career and hopes to get into coaching after he retires, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I understand what part of my career I’m in right now — I might be playing for a few more years and then I’m going to have to do something after baseball,” Rojas said. “I’m embracing this opportunity to actually start coaching a little bit with my teammates. That way, I can prepare myself for what’s coming next.”
Rojas said his biggest goal is to become an MLB manager:
“I feel like there’s many possibilities, but my main focus and my main goal is to manage at the big-league level,” Rojas said. “I don’t know how I’m gonna get there.”
With that goal in mind, Rojas has been closely watching Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to pick up some of his in-game strategies:
“I’m trying to be an extension of the manager,” Rojas said. “I’m trying to read the game alongside him, figure out what he wants to do, when he’s gonna put me in the game, when he’s gonna use Kiké [Hernández] and [Chris Taylor]. When you have a right-hander on the mound and a lefty lineup, when do you want to make a move?
“Looking a little bit ahead of the game, knowing the [opposing] closer is right-handed, so you don’t want to bring your right-handed bats in too early, how to manage a bullpen. Those are the things I’m kind of learning, not just from Doc, but from the organization.”
Rojas hopes to play a few more years before potentially beginning a coaching career. He could become a free agent after the 2024 season if the Dodgers decline their $5 million team option for 2025 in favor of a $1 million buyout.
Based on his play this season, it would be surprising if the Dodgers don’t pick up Rojas’ option.
Miguel Rojas: Dodgers ‘can be a complete team’
While the bottom of the Dodgers lineup has mostly struggled this season, there have been stretches of excellence from the 7-9 hitters, which Rojas believes is key for sustainable success.
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