Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has coached numerous players during his 10 seasons with the organization, but two particular people stand out when it comes to having a second career.
Miguel Rojas is a 12-year veteran of the sport and announced he is retiring after the 2026 season. Rojas re-signed with the Dodgers early on in the offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. This season will be his fifth in a Dodgers uniform.
Kiké Hernández has spent parts of nine seasons with the Dodgers in his career, and 12 years in the Majors overall. He remains a free agent, but it is expected that he will eventually re-sign with the Dodgers.
Both Rojas and Hernández have carved out lengthy careers for themselves in the Majors as role players, which has contributed greatly to the growth of their skillset and knowledge of the game.
Roberts believes that they both have a good chance of becoming managers once their playing careers come to an end, according to his appearance on the “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast:
“The person or persons that have a good chance, I think Miggy Ro’s got a very good chance. He certainly, like all people, has some growth to do on that side of things. To not always think like a player, because you’ve got to kind of flip it. I think he has the skillset and knowledge.
“I think Kiké has the knowledge and the skillset to be a manager as well. I think as he grows up more and matures, to be able to manage the media, you’ve got to have somewhat of a filter because your words are going to have more accountability when you’re a manager and not a player. So if he can kind of wrap his head around that, I think he’s got a good shot as well.”
While Roberts said that they both have areas to improve in, he was also confident that they could develop the necessary traits in time.
It makes sense that Rojas and Hernández would be fit to lead a team given that their ability to contribute positively to a clubhouse culture is part of the reason they have stuck around in the Majors for so long.
Miguel Rojas joining Dodgers front office after retiring
Rojas will already have his foot in the door in the front office and coaching side of things after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Upon the completion of next season, Rojas intends to immediately join the Dodgers front office and assist them in player development. He revealed this plan while announcing on Instagram he was re-signing with the team.
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