Miguel Rojas (baseball)

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Miguel Rojas

|image = File:Miguel Rojas from the Nationals and Marlins at Nationals Park, August 24, 2020 (All-Pro Reels Photography) (50266124356) (cropped).jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Rojas with the Miami Marlins in 2020

|team = Los Angeles Dodgers

|number = 72

|position = Shortstop

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|2|24}}

|birth_place = Los Teques, Miranda, Venezuela

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 6

|debutyear = 2014

|debutteam = Los Angeles Dodgers

|statyear = April 11, 2025

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .259

|stat2label = Hits

|stat2value = 917

|stat3label = Home runs

|stat3value = 50

|stat4label = Runs batted in

|stat4value = 336

|teams=

Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2014}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2023}}–present)

|awards=

World Series champion ({{wsy|2024}})

}}

Miguel Elias Rojas Naidenoff (born February 24, 1989) is a Venezuelan professional baseball shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2014 and also played in MLB for the Miami Marlins from 2015 to 2022.

Professional career

=Cincinnati Reds=

==Minor leagues==

Rojas was signed by the Cincinnati Reds organization as an amateur free agent in 2006 out of Venezuela{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-wants-to-be-a-leader-for-dodgers|title=Rojas already helping LA on the field and off it|work=mlb.com|first=Matthew|last=Ritchie|date=March 13, 2023|accessdate=January 15, 2024}} and played for their affiliates in the Venezuelan Summer League and Dominican Summer League through 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=rojas-003mig|title=Miguel Rojas Minor & Winter League Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=January 15, 2024}} In 2008, the Reds moved him to their domestic affiliate in the rookie-class Pioneer Baseball League, where he hit .183 in 61 games.

Rojas progressed through the Reds' farm system, playing for the Class-A Dayton Dragons in 2009, the Advanced-A Lynchburg Hillcats in 2010, the Double-A Carolina Mudcats in 2010 and 2011, and the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Triple-A Louisville Bats in 2012.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

==Minor leagues==

After the 2012 season, Rojas became a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.{{cite news |title=Dodgers Select Contract Of INF Miguel Rojas |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-78566710 |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=June 6, 2014}} He spent the 2013 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double–A Southern League, where he hit .233 in 130 games. In 2014, he received a non-roster invite to Major League spring training, where he was given a chance to compete for the vacant second base job.{{Cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/la/dodgers-miguel-rojas-defense-keeps-him-in-second-base-mix?ymd=20140114&content_id=66631786&vkey=news_la |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306193206/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/la/dodgers-miguel-rojas-defense-keeps-him-in-second-base-mix?ymd=20140114&content_id=66631786&vkey=news_la |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | last=Hoornstra | first=J.P. | title=Dodgers trying to add offense to Miguel Rojas' game | website=Los Angeles Daily News | date=February 15, 2014 | url=https://www.dailynews.com/2014/02/15/dodgers-trying-to-add-offense-to-miguel-rojas-game/ | access-date=November 1, 2024}} The Dodgers assigned him to the Triple–A Albuquerque Isotopes to start 2014, where he hit .302 in 51 games.

==2014 season==

File:20140919 Miguel Rojas coming off the field.JPG in 2014]]

The Dodgers promoted Rojas to the major leagues for the first time on June 6, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2014/6/6/5786412/erisbel-arruebarrena-optioned-dodgers-miguel-rojas|title=Dodgers option Erisbel Arruebarrena to Triple-A, call up Miguel Rojas|work=truebluela.com|author=Eric Stephen|date=June 6, 2014}} He made his major league debut that day as a late-inning defensive replacement.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/COL/COL201406060.shtml|title=June 6, 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies play by play and box score|work=Baseball Reference}} His first hit was a single off Matt Belisle of the Colorado Rockies in his first start on June 8.

Rojas finished the 2014 regular season hitting only .181 with one home run and nine RBIs in 85 games. He frequently took over for Hanley Ramírez at shortstop late in games for defensive purposes. On June 18, he successfully made an extremely difficult defensive play to preserve a no hitter thrown by Clayton Kershaw in the 7th inning.

=Miami Marlins=

On December 10, 2014, the Dodgers traded Rojas, along with Dee Gordon and Dan Haren, to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Andrew Heaney, Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes, and Enrique "Kiké" Hernández.{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/103746900/dodgers-adding-howie-kendrick-jimmy-rollins-in-trades|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215060705/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/103746900/dodgers-adding-howie-kendrick-jimmy-rollins-in-trades|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2014|title=Dodgers adding Kendrick, Rollins in trades|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|work=MLB.com|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=December 11, 2014}}

==2015 season==

File:Miguel Rojas on April 17, 2015.jpg in 2015]] In 2015, Rojas batted .282 with one home run and 17 RBI in 142 at-bats across 60 games. This earned Rojas more playing time the next season as he appeared in 123 games, slashing .247/.288/.325 with one home run and 14 RBI.{{cite web | last=Newcomb | first=Connor | title=2016 Marlins Season Review: Miguel Rojas | website=Fish Stripes | date=January 4, 2017 | url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/1/4/14159430/2016-marlins-season-review-miguel-rojas | access-date=November 1, 2024}}

==2017 season==

In 2017, Rojas missed 62 games due to a broken thumb, but still appeared in 90 games, hitting for a .290.361/.375 batting line with one home run and 26 RBI in 272 at-bats. Rojas also led all NL shortstops in September and October with a .354 batting average and .948 OPS.{{cite web | last=Sussman | first=Ely | title=2017 Marlins Season Review: Miguel Rojas | website=Fish Stripes | date=November 30, 2017 | url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/11/30/16701442/2017-marlins-season-review-miguel-rojas-career-year-monkey-mask | access-date=November 1, 2024}}

==2018 season==

In 2018, Rojas set career-highs in nearly every offensive category; games played (153), runs (44), hits (123), home runs (11), RBI (53), and stolen bases (6).{{cite web | last=Kraczkowski | first=Kevin | title=Miami Marlins: Miguel Rojas is a Jack of All Trades | website=Marlin Maniac | date=December 10, 2018 | url=https://marlinmaniac.com/2018/12/10/miami-marlins-miguel-rojas-2/ | access-date=November 1, 2024}}

==2019 season==

In 2019, Rojas batted .284/.331/.379, with the lowest isolated power in the National League (.095).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rojasmi02.shtml |title = Miguel Rojas Career Stats |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=11,a|title = Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Batters » Advanced Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball}} On September 23, 2019, Rojas agreed to a new two-year contract with the Marlins, worth $10.25 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/09/23/miguel-rojas-guaranteed-1025m-in-2-year-deal-with-marlins/40191495/|title=Miguel Rojas guaranteed $10.25M in 2-year deal with Marlins|website=USA Today }}

==2020 season==

In late July 2020, Rojas tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Nightengale|first=Gabe Lacques and Bob|title=Marlins' 2020 season is paused by MLB after COVID-19 outbreak among players, coaches|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/marlins/2020/07/28/miami-marlins-season-pause-after-covid-19-outbreak/5528651002/|access-date=July 28, 2020|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Breen|first=Matt|title=After COVID-19 outbreak, the Marlins decided via group text message to play Sunday vs. the Phillies|url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/miami-marlins-coronavirus-outbreak-phillies-mlb-season-20200727.html|access-date=July 28, 2020|website=inquirer.com|date=July 27, 2020 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=July 27, 2020|title=Some games postponed after Marlins outbreak|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29547211/two-mlb-games-postponed-marlins-outbreak|access-date=July 28, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}} Despite testing positive, Rojas partnered with the company Stadium Custom Kicks during the 2020 season, branding the partnership as Miggy's Locker. The partnership allowed Rojas to design custom-made cleats to express his passion in shoes and basketball.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-has-impressive-shoe-game |title='Air Rojas' brings personality to kick collection |work=MLB.com |author=De Nicola, Christina |date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324231430/https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-has-impressive-shoe-game |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |url-status=live}} Overall in 2020, Rojas's batting line was all career-highs, with a .304/.392/.496 line on the year to go along with four home runs and 20 RBI. Rojas got into a verbal altercation with rookie Jazz Chisholm after Rojas ruined multiple custom made cleats that belonged to Chisholm, cutting them with scissors and pouring milk in them. Chisholm criticized Rojas calling him a bad team captain and bad teammate saying that behavior like his shows lack of leadership in bringing rookie teammates down.

==2021 season==

In 2021, Rojas played in 132 games, collecting 131 hits, 48 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a career-high 37 walks. On October 28, 2021, the Marlins signed Rojas to a two-year contract extension worth $10 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-contract-extension |title=Rojas' extension 'an easy thing to do' for MIA |work=MLB.com |author=De Nicola, Christina |date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113161614/https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-contract-extension |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live}}

==2022 season==

On October 3, 2022, it was announced that Rojas would undergo wrist surgery to repair a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex in his right wrist.{{cite web | last=Nicola | first=Christina De | title=Miguel Rojas to undergo right wrist surgery | website=MLB.com | date=October 3, 2022 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/miguel-rojas-right-wrist-surgery | access-date=October 8, 2024}} He underwent an additional procedure in January after another minor issue arose.{{Cite web|title=Miguel Rojas Expected To Undergo Additional Wrist Procedure|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/miguel-rojas-expected-to-undergo-additional-wrist-procedure.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 11, 2023 |language=en}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers (second stint)=

On January 11, 2023, Rojas was traded back to the Dodgers in exchange for Jacob Amaya.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/miguel-rojas-traded-to-dodgers|title=Dodgers shore up shortstop in trade for Miguel Rojas|work=mlb.com|first=Sarah|last=Wexler|date=January 11, 2023|accessdate=January 11, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alden |title=Dodgers add to options in infield, acquire Miami's Miguel Rojas |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35429118/dodgers-add-options-infield-acquire-miami-miguel-rojas |access-date=January 12, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=January 11, 2023}}

==2023 season==

On February 4, the Dodgers announced a contract extension with Rojas that would pay him $5 million for 2024 and included a $5 million club option for 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/miguel-rojas-dodgers-contract-extension|title=Rojas, Dodgers reach contract extension|first=Juan|last=Toribio|website=MLB.com |date=February 4, 2023|accessdate=February 4, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Dodgers extend new addition Miguel Rojas through 2024 season |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35590623/dodgers-sign-miguel-rojas-one-year-6-million-contract |access-date=February 5, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=February 4, 2023}} While initially expected to be a utility player, Rojas wound up the starting shortstop when Gavin Lux went down with a season ending knee injury in spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-06-26/dodgers-miguel-rojas-story-for-tuesday-print|title='I'm capable of more.' Miguel Rojas pushes to be the complete player the Dodgers need|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Mike|last=Digiovanna|date=June 26, 2023|accessdate=October 6, 2023}} He played in 124 games, batting .236. He had two hits in six at-bats in the 2023 NLDS.

==2024 season==

Lux returned in 2024 but moved to second base and Mookie Betts took over at shortstop, leaving Rojas as utility player to start the season before returning to short when Betts was hurt at midseason.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/news/miguel-rojas-makes-his-intentions-clear-about-the-dodgers-shortstop-spot-01j3411qvnp4|title=Miguel Rojas Makes His Intentions Clear About the Dodgers' Shortstop Spot|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Eva|last=Getithem|date=July 19, 2024|accessdate=September 30, 2024}} He went on the injured list at the end of July with right forearm inflammation{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/7/24/24205645/dodgers-nick-ahmed-miguel-rojas-injured-list|title=Dodgers sign Nick Ahmed with shortstop Miguel Rojas placed on injured list|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=July 24, 2024|accessdate=September 30, 2024}} and returned August 7.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/8/7/24215303/dodgers-roster-miguel-rojas-james-outman|title=Miguel Rojas returns from injured list, Dodgers option James Outman|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=August 7, 2024|accessdate=September 30, 2024}} He remained in the lineup until tearing his adductor muscle in late September.{{Cite magazine |last=Angus-Coombs |first=Maren |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Dodgers Infielder Tears Adductor Muscle, Requires Surgery |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/news/dodgers-infielder-tears-adductor-muscle-requires-surgery-01j8r8nkfs3e |access-date=September 30, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} For the season, Rojas batted .283 in 103 games. The team voted Rojas the winner of the Roy Campanella Award, which exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-miguel-rojas-wins-19th-annual-roy-campanella-award|title=Miguel Rojas wins 19th annual Roy Campanella Award|work=mlb.com|date=September 24, 2024|accessdate=September 30, 2024}} He started at shortstop for the Dodgers to begin the 2024 NLDS, and had two hits in eight at-bats over the first three games of the series. However, he aggravated a leg injury in the third game and did not play in the rest of the series and was left off the roster for the NLCS.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5840301/2024/10/13/dodgers-leave-alex-vesia-miguel-rojas-off-nlcs-roster/|title=Dodgers leave Alex Vesia, Miguel Rojas off NLCS roster|work=The Athletic|first=Fabian|last=Ardaya|date=October 13, 2024|accessdate=October 21, 2024}} Rojas returned to the roster for the 2024 World Series, but only played in Game 2, where he was hitless in three at-bats. He collected his first World Series championship when the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in five games.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-win-world-series-2024|title=Dodgers upend Yanks with historic comeback for 8th World Series title|work=mlb.com|first=Anthony|last=Castronice|date=October 30, 2024|accessdate=October 30, 2024}} After the season, the Dodgers picked up his contract option for the 2025 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/11/2/24286558/miguel-rojas-contract-dodgers-option-2025|title=Dodgers exercise 2025 option on Miguel Rojas, per reports|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=November 2, 2024|accessdate=November 3, 2024}}

==2025 season==

Rojas switched his jersey number from 11 to 72, the number he first wore as a rookie with the team, after a request from Andrew Friedman in the Dodgers pursuit of Roki Sasaki.