Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Miguel Rojas will be retiring at the end of the 2026 season and taking on a player development role with the Dodgers after his playing career.
As Rojas goes into the final season of his MLB career, the two-time World Series champion wants to channel the same joy Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw had during the final season of his career in 2025.
Kershaw retired at the end of last season after spending his entire 18-season career with the Dodgers. Rojas explained that Kershaw made sure to enjoy every moment of his final MLB season, and Rojas wants to do the same this season.
“My wife and my kids call him Uncle Kersh because of the joy he had throughout the year,” Rojas said, per the Los Angeles Times. “He was really happy all year. He wasn’t really caught up in numbers or stats. He was just enjoying his time. I really wish I can do a little bit of what he did last year. I hope I can enjoy it as much as he did last year.
“So I’m going to be Uncle Miggy this year.”
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas (72) shakes hands with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run on an infield single hit by catcher Will Smith (not pictured) against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Rojas Wants to Coach After Retiring
Multiple Dodgers teammates have praised Rojas for his leadership on and off the field. He even helped superstar Mookie Betts transition from an outfielder to a Gold Glove shortstop in 2025.
Rojas has expressed wanting to become an MLB coach after retiring but said he is also open to trying other roles within an organization. After this season, he will serve in a player development role.
“Learning a little bit from every area and seeing what I’m going to be good at. I want to be a coach, but maybe I’m going to be good at something else,” Rojas said, per Dodgers On SI. “I feel like that’s something that I want to realize about myself.
“Coach a little bit of everything, TV maybe, work in the front office a little bit with Andrew and company. And definitely learn a little bit more from Doc and what they value as a team, as a player.”
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images