Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas has a shot to manage in MLB one day.
Rojas, 37, is set to retire at the end of the season and stay with the Dodgers as a player development instructor. Roberts, though, thinks Rojas can land a much bigger job.
“For Miggy, obviously, the track record of a player, the knowledge of the game, the love of the game, and then now you put the cherry on top with a huge moment in the World Series, I think it rounds out his resume,” Roberts said.
Additionally, Roberts said Rojas’ historic, game-tying home run in Game 7 of the World Series could help him during candidate selection, much as his own postseason moment did for him.
Roberts played for the Boston Red Sox during their 2004 World Series run, and sparked a comeback on the brink of elimination against the New York Yankees in the ALCS with a stolen base.
“I think he’ll manage in the big leagues,” Roberts said. “Interestingly enough, I think that moment that he had will actually help not just the hiring process, I think it’ll more importantly help the day-to-day role as a manager. You performed in a big moment and you can relate to coming off the bench and being there and being a champion. I think the players respect that.”
Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) speaks to shortstop Miguel Rojas (left) during the NLCS workouts at Dodgers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesWhat Has Miguel Rojas Done Throughout His Career?
Rojas began his journey to MLB with the Cincinnati Reds, though never managed to break into the MLB team in that organization. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract after the 2012 season, and made his way to the MLB in 2014 with the team.
He played 85 games with the Dodgers that season, though posted just a .463 OPS through 149 at-bats with the team.
LA traded Rojas to the Miami Marlins in a blockbuster deal following the regular season, and he remained in Miami from 2015 until the end of the 2022 season. The Dodgers sent a prospect to the Marlins to reacquire Rojas following 2022, and he’s been with the team since.
He’s had a handful of solid seasons with the Dodgers, mostly with the glove, but has managed league average or better finishes offensively in both of the last two seasons. Additionally, he’s been on the roster for the last two World Series wins and has his mind set on a three-peat.
Do you think Miguel Rojas can make it as a manager in MLB?
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