Miguel Rojas’ value in the Dodgers clubhouse stretched far beyond the box score, and Mookie Betts made that plain when talking about the veteran’s retirement in 2026.
Betts didn’t hold back when asked about what Rojas meant to him personally and to the team as a whole.
“I don’t really have words to describe him,” Betts began. “Especially for me and all the growth that I’ve had, he’s kind of like that dad that’s sitting and watching to make sure I’m good.
Making sure I’m learning everything, even to this game. Every game I took the field, he was always there watching, making sure I’m doing everything right.
That’s just me personally.
“For the boys, he’s our leader. A vocal guy who gets on the mic, makes sure we’re playing the game hard, holds everybody accountable.
Not having him in a Dodger uniform will be something completely different for all of us. Hopefully he’s still with us.”
Rojas was especially important to Betts during his move to shortstop beginning in 2024. Betts went from being a below-average defender there that season to a Gold Glove finalist the next year with Rojas helping steer the transition.
That impact showed up in the clubhouse, too. Rojas earned three Roy Campanella Awards, given each year to the Dodger who best reflects the leadership and spirit of Hall of Famer Roy Campanella.
By winning the 21st annual award this year, Rojas became the second player ever to collect three of the “Most Inspirational Dodger” honors, joining Justin Turner, who won in 2017 and 2019-20. He also became the first player to win the award in three straight years.
Even with retirement ahead, Rojas isn’t leaving the organization completely. He is moving into a front office position centered on player development, a move he first revealed on Instagram.
Rojas had already signaled before the start of the 2026 season that retirement was likely. As the year went on, he left open the possibility of a return in 2027 if the Dodgers completed a three-peat and wanted him back.
That didn’t happen, leaving Freddie Freeman disappointed after hoping the Dodgers would bring home another World Series title for Rojas.
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