The Los Angeles Dodgers traded prospect Jacob Amaya to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Miguel Rojas, marking a reunion with the veteran infielder.
Rojas signed with the Dodgers in November 2012 and made his MLB debut with the team during the 2014 season. Rojas famously made a terrific stop at third base to preserve Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies.
Rojas then was included with Dee Strange-Gordon, Dan Haren and cash considerations in a trade to the Marlins for Austin Barnes, Chris Hatcher, Andrew Heaney and Kiké Hernández. Barnes remains with the Dodgers, and Hernández was on the team until their 2020 World Series win.
The 33-year-old Rojas went on to carve out an everyday role with the Marlins. He continued to play multiple positions but settled in at shortstop for Miami since the 2019 season.
Rojas was a Gold Glove Award finalist at shortstop in 2022, which went to the Atlanta Braves’ Dansby Swanson. Rojas ranked second to Swanson with 15 Defensive Runs Saved and was fifth among all shortstops with 10 Outs Above Average.
Rojas could be an answer for the Dodgers at shortstop in the wake of Trea Turner signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts have expressed confidence in Gavin Lux taking over the position.
If Lux remains the regular starter at shortstop, Rojas could see time as a backup up the middle and at third base. The utility role would be similar to what Hanser Alberto filled last season. The Dodgers declined their team option on Alberto, and he’s since signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Throughout his career Rojas has largely been viewed as a glove-first player, and he experienced some regression at the plate last year. Some of that could have been attributed to a right hand injury Rojas sustained in the first game after the All-Star break.
He underwent right wrist surgery in October to remove cartilage and could need a second procedure prior to Spring Training beginning.
What do Dodgers lose by trading Jacob Amaya?
By acquiring Rojas the Dodgers seemingly are prioritizing MLB experience over potential. Coincidentally, Rojas has regularly served as a comp for Amaya during his rise as a Dodgers prospect.
Amaya was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster after the 2021 season to protect against possibly being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. He spent time with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City last year, batting a combined .261/.369/.427 with 20 doubles, 17 home runs and 71 RBI.
The 24-year-old not only profiles similarly to Rojas, but he would have given the Dodgers six more years of team control.
Amaya was selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of South Hills High School in West Covina, California.
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