Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas announced his intent to retire after the 2026 season during last year’s postseason run, but he may change his mind.
“It’s been a wild ride,” Rojas said to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain after the Dodgers clinched the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies last October. “I’ve given it everything that I have every single night for the four years that I’ve been here. And hopefully I can finish my career here next year. Because I’m going to retire after next year.”
The Dodgers did bring him back for another year, signing him to a one-year deal early in the offseason and offering him a player development role with the team after he retires.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, though, that offer may have to wait.
“Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas says he’s thinking about changing his mind about retiring, and that it’s possible he’ll stick around for another year before he goes into a hybrid coaching/front office role,” Nightengale wrote.
Rojas will be 38 come Opening Day 2027, but he certainly still has the ability to remain in MLB—and he knows it.
“When I made this decision to retire and play for one more year, it’s not because I felt I couldn’t play,” Rojas said earlier in the season.
“I can still play. I can prepare to go and play shortstop for 100 games.”
Could Miguel Rojas Play Another Season?
Rojas has more than proved his value this season, posting a .744 OPS through 79 games so far. Outside of his electric 2020 season, during which he posted an .888 OPS, that would rank as his second-highest mark in a single season, only behind his .747 OPS in 2024.
Most of Rojas’ value, though, comes from his glove.
Rojas, despite playing a largely supplementary role, ranks in the 86th percentile of MLB with four outs above average this season, and ranks above league average with a plus-2 fielding run value.
Why Would Miguel Rojas Want to Retire?
While Rojas has the ability to play in MLB for at least one more year, he has more than just baseball to worry about. The infielder said earlier in the year his family is a key factor in the decision.
“He asks me, did you watch me play? I say yes, but I want to be there for him,” Rojas said of his son, Aaron. “That’s what my parents did for me.
“I think it’s time. I know your time in the game is too short. But at the end of the day, I want to make sure I’m there for him, too.”