When the 2023 season began, Johan Rojas was playing for Double-A Reading.
When the postseason concluded, a struggling Rojas finished in a 4-for-43 slump at the plate for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Let's not gloss over how well Rojas played in 59 regular season games with a .302 batting average and stellar play in center field. His defense had to remind longtime Phillies fans of Garry Maddox roaming center field at Veterans Stadium.
Rojas made extremely difficult plays look easy. Almost effortless.
The fact that he had success at the plate was a bonus. After all, Rojas' rise to the Major Leagues came quicker than expected.
A rough offensive postseason shouldn't change his trajectory.
With a full spring training before Opening Day, last season's experience will be incredibly beneficial.
Still, nothing's guaranteed. Not in professional sports.
"If you're going to make a commitment to him, I think it's gotta be for a while," manager Rob Thomson told reporters recently. "You just gotta shut your eyes and let him play."
Very true.
The worst thing that can be done is yo-yo Rojas from the Phillies to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
In this era of instant gratification on Twitter (or X), Instagram and other social media sites, there's something to be said for player development. Stick him in center field and let him develop.
It has been known to work in the past.
Rojas doesn't need to hit .300. He doesn’t even need to hit .270.
If he can bat .260, steal 20 bases, learn how to bunt and keep running down every ball in center field, he'll be a major asset.
In a small sample size, Rojas more than proved his mettle.
There's no reason to believe that he can't take another big step forward this season.
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