ST. LOUIS — Miguel Rojas had a plan. The veteran Dodgers infielder announced last October that he intended to retire after the 2026 season, wrapping up a solid MLB career on his own terms. But plans, especially in baseball, have a way of changing.
This week, Rojas surprised fans and analysts alike when he told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that he might reconsider—under one key condition. And given that the Dodgers are currently World Series favorites, that condition might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
"It's not that I've already made the decision," Rojas explained to The California Post on Friday. "It's just, I need to keep myself, and my family, open to return if we win."
The 37-year-old infielder clarified that the idea of extending his playing days only truly took shape in recent weeks. While much depends on how his body holds up through a grueling season, Rojas admitted that a championship run could be the deciding factor.
"I feel like, if we get the opportunity to three-peat, it's gonna be really hard for me not to come back," he said, referencing the Dodgers' potential to capture another title after their 2024 World Series win.
When Rojas re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year deal this winter, the plan was clear: play out 2025, then transition into a coaching role within the team's player development department starting in 2027. But then the season started, and the rhythms of the game pulled him back in.
Through the opening month, Rojas has been a pleasant surprise at the plate, posting a .341 batting average. He's also logged more playing time than anticipated, filling in at second base and shortstop while Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts recover from injuries. More importantly, he feels good—physically and mentally.
"My body is telling me that I can still do it," Rojas said. "And I know it's just been a month. Like I said, I don't know how I'm gonna feel in September, October, November, because we'll go through a lot. But right now, I feel great. So I'm keeping myself in that positive mindset of winning."
For Dodgers fans, the possibility of Rojas sticking around a little longer is just another reason to root for October glory. After all, nothing keeps a veteran in the game quite like the taste of victory.