Miguel Rojas Retires from Baseball After Dodgers' World Series Hopes End
The veteran infielder announced his retirement following the team's National League Championship Series defeat, concluding a 13-year career.
Dodgers veteran Miguel Rojas announced his retirement from baseball on Thursday night, just moments after his team was eliminated from the National League Championship Series by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 37-year-old infielder informed his teammates of his decision during an emotional post-game meeting in the clubhouse, following the Dodgers' Game 4 loss that ended their bid for a third consecutive World Series title.
'This is it. I'm moving on with the next chapter in my life,' Rojas told reporters. He remained in his uniform and cleats long after the game concluded, expressing the difficulty of the moment. 'It's really hard to take them off right now. It was really emotional after the game. The last four years here changed my life.'
Rojas, a native of Venezuela, debuted in Major League Baseball with the Dodgers in 2014. He then played eight seasons as a regular infielder for the Miami Marlins before returning to Los Angeles in a trade prior to the 2023 season. During his second stint with the Dodgers, he established himself as a key defensive player and a respected clubhouse leader.
In 446 games over his second tenure with the team, Rojas batted .260 with 22 home runs and 117 RBIs, providing steady defense at multiple infield positions. A memorable moment in his career came during the 2025 World Series, when he hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
'I'm just proud of being part of this group,' Rojas said. 'That we were able to win back-to-back championships.'
Teammate Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers' first baseman, paid tribute to Rojas, highlighting his lasting impact on the team's culture. 'He built a legacy. We'll be talking about Miguel Rojas for a long time,' Freeman said.
Rojas is not planning to leave the Dodgers organization entirely. He has agreed to transition into a player development role beginning next season. 'I wanna stay here. I wanna wear this uniform or this logo in a different capacity,' he explained.