Dodgers Brace for Another Hit After Clayton Kershaw as $11M Star Eyes MLB Retirement

This season, Miguel Rojas has been a steady presence, playing all four infield spots across 114 games. He’s hitting .262/.318/.397, and flashing his trademark defense. Even if his bat isn’t the main attraction, the Dodgers will definitely feel the loss of his glove when he finally steps away.

Rojas’s defensive play in the sixth inning of the NLDS Game 2 is a good way to prove his utility. With Alex Bohm hitting first and second bases loaded, a hit off Blake Snell went to the infield. And it was a race between Rojas and Trea Turner from second base to reach third. That slide along the foul line ensured that Rojas reached the base first and eventually beat out Turner, keeping the game scoreless. Now, that’s the reliability Rojas offered in the field.

Meanwhile, after winning the divisional series, he didn’t miss to celebrate the moment with a beer shower. Guess who was his partner there! Clayton Kershaw! 

The Dodgers’ infield veteran is more than just stats

If you look at Miguel Rojas’ numbers this season, nothing really seems extraordinary. Seven home runs aren’t exactly headline-worthy. But Rojas brings so much more to the Dodgers than what shows up on a stat sheet.

Remember when Mookie Betts was adjusting to playing shortstop since Opening Day. He missed games, had some defensive miscues, and had a slow bat. But now in the NLDS, Betts looked rock-solid. In Game 2, for instance, he made a clutch play in the ninth inning. He covered third, took Max Muncy’s throw, and tagged out a runner in a perfectly executed wheel play. Reason for this transformation? Betts puts it on Rojas!

“Having Rojas by my side is the biggest blessing,” Betts remarked. “He knows the game — especially the shortstop position — better than anyone. And having a teammate like him, someone you can talk to during the game and between pitches, that’s invaluable. A big part of my mental growth this year is thanks to Rojas.”

Reportedly, since returning to the Dodgers in 2023, Rojas consistently ranked in at least the 78th percentile for FRV, proving he’s still an elite glove. Plus, his leadership and defensive brilliance make him one of the Dodgers’ most underrated assets. Now, with Kershaw set to retire, keeping a veteran like Rojas around feels like a no-brainer for LA. At least for another year.

And amid all these, Rojas’ Instagram account shows he’s ready for October, with a post captioned, “Halfway Checkpoint October Baseball.”