World Series hero returns as Rojas signs a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers and veteran infielder Miguel Rojas agreed today on a one-year, $5.5 million contract to continue their partnership. This news has been verified by MLB’s official network, although the team has not formally announced it yet.

Rojas delivered a pivotal game-tying homer in the ninth inning of the seventh game of this year’s World Series, helping the Dodgers secure their championship repeat. He has publicly stated that the 2026 season will be his final year in the major leagues and hopes to finish his career in Los Angeles, where he made his MLB debut in 2014.

This unexpected postseason hero, who had not started for over three weeks, was in the starting lineup at second base for the last two games of the World Series. Facing imminent defeat with only two outs remaining, he hit an incredible solo home run off Blue Jays’ closer Jeff Hoffman, saving the Dodgers and ultimately helping them win in the 11th inning to claim the franchise’s ninth championship.

Primarily a bench player, Rojas posted a .262 batting average with 18 doubles and 27 RBIs over 114 games last season. He provided solid defense at second base, third base, and shortstop, making him one of the finalists for the National League’s utility Gold Glove Award (which was ultimately won by Miami Marlins’ Javier Sanoja).

Since being traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers before the 2023 season, Rojas has offered near-league-average offensive production and dependable defense, but his greatest value might lie in the clubhouse. During his second stint in Los Angeles, he has become a team leader whose impact extends far beyond his on-field performance.

Rojas has served as a mentor to Dodgers star Mookie Betts, who has greatly benefited from the veteran’s guidance while transitioning to shortstop. In Betts’ first full season playing shortstop, he also became a finalist for the Gold Glove Award, crediting part of his defensive growth to Rojas.

“Coaching is one thing, but having a teammate right there on the field whom I can ask questions during the game and between pitches,” Betts said last October, “He’s someone who always has answers and gives his all every day. Having ‘Migi Ro’ is invaluable. A lot of my mental success this year is thanks to him.”

To understand Rojas’ influence on his teammates, just look at their reactions after his Game 7 home run.

“There couldn’t be a better person for that moment,” said third baseman Max Muncy.

“When you play and act the right way, teammates like Miguel… the game rewards you,” first baseman Freddie Freeman commented.

Rojas is the first free agent from the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series championship roster to return. The team had previously exercised contract options on Muncy and reliever Alex Vesia. Utility player Kiké Hernández and reliever Evan Phillips (who was not re-signed) may also return, but both are currently sidelined by injuries and likely won’t be ready for the start of the 2026 season, with re-signing expected after the early spring training 60-day injured list period.