Rojas, Dodgers reach contract extension
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers and infielder Miguel Rojas have agreed to a contract extension that may preserve the 33-year-old in Los Angeles by way of a minimum of the 2024 season, the membership introduced on Saturday.
The deal features a $5 million wage for 2024 and a $5 million membership possibility for ’25 that may be purchased out for $1 million.
Rojas started his profession with the Dodgers in 2014, showing in 85 video games. He was reacquired earlier this offseason from the Marlins in change for infield prospect Jacob Amaya.
“When I got the news I was coming back to L.A., I couldn’t be happier,” Rojas stated at Saturday’s FanFest. “I couldn’t be happier. I received a big opportunity almost 10 years ago to get my first hit, to get my first home run, to get my first opportunity to play in the big leagues. Now I come here with a different perspective, a different point of view, and I’m looking forward to embracing the opportunity.”
Rojas is coming off a down season on the plate by which he posted a .606 OPS in 140 video games with the Marlins. He performed by way of a nagging wrist harm and underwent surgical procedure to restore it earlier this offseason. While he was rehabbing the wrist, exams confirmed a unfastened bone between his index finger and thumb. That required one other surgical procedure, one he underwent three weeks in the past.
“I think a ton,” Rojas stated, when requested whether or not the wrist harm affected his numbers final season. “But I’m not going to put it as an excuse for my numbers or anything that happens. I felt it, and I knew how it felt to hit with a bad wrist.”
After being shut down from most actions following the 2 surgical procedures, Rojas stated he was cleared to begin swinging just a few days in the past. He would like to characterize Venezuela within the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He’ll be placed on the preliminary roster, however the final choice will probably be made primarily based on how he continues to progress from harm and dialogue with the Dodgers.
Whether he participates within the occasion, Rojas stated he expects to be one hundred pc prepared by the beginning of Spring Training.
“[Friday], I hit off the tee for 15 swings,” Rojas stated. “[Saturday] was two rounds of 15 swings off the tee, and I’m looking forward to going to Arizona tomorrow to start working out on Monday. When I get to Arizona, I want to start the hitting progression.”
This spring will look a bit completely different for Rojas. In Miami, he was the on a regular basis shortstop. With the Dodgers, Rojas will probably be extra of a utilityman. Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated he envisions Rojas enjoying second and third base this season, in addition to getting a while in left area. Rojas can even function the first backup to Gavin Lux at shortstop.
“I always say I’m going to prepare to play 162 games at shortstop,” Rojas stated. “But if anything happens and they need me somewhere, I’ll be ready.”
