Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers formally introducing Roki Sasaki during a press conference at Dodger Stadium last month, it became known he would be wearing No. 11 with the team thanks in part to the generosity of Miguel Rojas.
Not only was Rojas willing to give his jersey number to the rookie pitcher, but the veteran was adamant about not looking for anything in return.
Across all sports, athletes can often have a connection to a specific number. For one reason or another, a certain jersey number can be of special significance to individuals. But for some players like Rojas, that is not always an end all, be all.
Usually in situations where a number switches hands, it is customary for the player who is receiving it to give compensation to the previous owner. Sometimes it is as simple monetary compensation and other times it is in the form of a gift.
Sasaki chose the latter, gifting Rojas three bottles of sake that are famous in Japan: Dassai 23, Dassai Beyond and Suzukagawa Roku. Sasaki also included a traditional set of serving glasses in a Dodger Blue.
From one number 11 to another. pic.twitter.com/lZlpEJbUs7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 12, 2025
With these latest additions, Rojas has the beginnings of an impressive collection of gifts from Dodgers pitchers over the years. In the video shared by the team, Rojas mentioned he still has the bottle of scotch Clayton Kershaw gave to the entire 2014 Dodgers team for their role in his no-hitter that season.
The whole situation was initially stressful for Rojas due to the unintentionally cryptic way in which Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman contacted him via text message.
Rojas initially feared the worst, but soon realized the conversation was about switching numbers in order for the team to sign Sasaki.
Miguel Rojas goes back to No. 72
Rojas is now wearing No. 72 for the first time since his rookie season with the Dodgers in 2014. Upon his trade to the Miami Marlins the following season, Rojas switched to No. 19 for the next eight years of his career.
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