Dodgers’ Rojas Sparks Jinx Talk With ‘2026 Loading’ Cleats as NLCS Collapse Looms
Miguel Rojas' custom World Series cleats, predicting a 2026 championship, coincided with the Dodgers falling into a 3-0 series deficit against the Brewers.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas has drawn attention for his custom cleats, emblazoned with "2026 loading..." and predictions of World Series trophies, as his team faces a potential elimination in the National League Championship Series. The custom red Nike Air Jordan cleats, featuring images of the Dodgers' 2024 and 2025 World Series trophies alongside the forward-looking message, were visible during Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Dodgers found themselves in a precarious position after dropping the first three games of the best-of-seven series. The team's hopes for a historic three-peat appeared to be diminishing rapidly, making Rojas' pre-emptive championship imagery a focal point.
During Game 3, Rojas started at third base and reached base twice with a single and a walk. However, he was controversially pinch-hit for in the sixth inning by manager Dave Roberts during a key offensive opportunity. Roberts' subsequent pinch-hitting choices also failed to capitalize on the situation.
The Brewers went on to win Game 3 by a score of 6-2, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. This deficit has left the Dodgers on the brink of elimination. Historically, only one team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven MLB postseason series: the 2004 Boston Red Sox, managed by Dave Roberts himself.
If the Dodgers are unable to complete a historic comeback, Rojas' "2026 loading" cleats could be remembered as an unfortunate symbol of a premature and unfulfilled prediction.