Dodgers Analysis: Miggy Ro's Miami years prepared him to shine in LA

09/17/2024 09:51 AM

MIAMI, FL — The Dodgers are leaving Atlanta after securing a split the hard way: losing two games pretty decisively and then coming back in the final two games to wallop the defending NL East champs. Monday’s win was one of the weirdest ones you’d see anywhere a 9-0 stomping where the Dodgers only had four hits. That’s right FOUR. And as you might guess in such a game, shortstop Miguel Rojas was right in the middle of it. He went 1-for-1 with two walks, three runs scored, and a stolen base. The one hit he had was a classic: he fought off an inside pitch from Max Fried and somehow muscled it over the infield for an RBI single to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead at the time. It was the kind of Miggy Ro performance we’ve been seeing all year. And one that has benefited the Dodgers in more ways than the team can count.

Of Rojas’s performance on Monday, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said, “He won us a ballgame… he brings grit, he brings fight, he (exemplifies) what I expect in a ballplayer, he really does. It’s just a client; it’s how much he cares and how much he loves the game of baseball.”

In a lineup packed with superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, it's easy to overlook some of the more unheralded players. Yet, every great team has its glue guys—the players who don't seek the limelight but are indispensable to the team’s success. One such player for the Dodgers is shortstop Miguel Rojas, whose years of hard work and dedication in Miami shaped him into the valuable contributor he is today.

Rojas’ journey to the Dodgers has been one marked by perseverance, adaptability, and leadership. Before rejoining Los Angeles, where he debuted in 2014, Rojas spent eight seasons with the Miami Marlins, playing on teams that often struggled to find consistent success. However, it was during these years in Miami that Rojas developed the mental toughness, versatility, and defensive excellence that have made him a vital asset to this star-studded Dodgers team.

A Defensive Wizard in Miami

Miggy Ro’s first stop in Los Angeles was a brief one: after signing with the Dodgers in the 2012-2013 offseason as a 23-year-old free agent, he bounced around a little before joining the big league club for 85 games in the 2014 season. At the time, his claim to fame was probably as “the guy who saved Clayton Kershaw‘s no-hitter.” And there was not a lot of consternation among Dodger fans when he was traded along with pitcher Dan Haren and infielder Dee Gordon for  lefty Andrew Heaney, righthander Chris Hatcher, and two guys who would play a big part in the Dodgers’ resurgence in the mid-2010s: utility man Enrique Hernandez and catcher Austin Barnes. So it would be with the Miami Marlins that Rojas would have to become a true big-leaguer.

When Rojas first arrived in Miami in 2015, he was not expected to be a key player. At the time, the Marlins were a young team focused on developing their core of players. Rojas, however, quickly established himself as a defensive standout, impressing both teammates and coaches with his glove work. Over time, his defensive prowess at shortstop became his calling card. Rojas’ ability to make tough plays look routine, whether by ranging deep into the hole or charging a slow roller, set him apart as one of the best defensive infielders in the game.

Miami allowed Rojas to develop and hone his craft, trusting him with significant playing time at shortstop, third base, and second base. His defensive versatility became a hallmark of his game. By the time Rojas became the Marlins’ everyday shortstop, his reputation as a slick fielder was well established.

Though his contributions with the bat were modest during his early Miami years, his glove was worth its weight in gold. His defense helped the Marlins remain competitive in many games where offense was scarce. It also earned him a leadership role in Miami, particularly during the rebuilding years when the team was young and inexperienced.

A Leadership Role in the Clubhouse

Rojas' influence in Miami wasn't confined to the field. As a veteran player on a team filled with young talent, Rojas emerged as a clubhouse leader, helping to guide and mentor the Marlins' younger players. He took pride in leading by example, showing up to the ballpark every day with a strong work ethic and commitment to improving.

In 2020, when the Marlins made an unexpected run to the postseason, Rojas' leadership was vital. As one of the longest-tenured players on the team, he helped guide his teammates through a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering stability both on and off the field. Rojas also played a key role in helping the Marlins navigate a significant outbreak within the team, rallying the squad to stay focused and ultimately make the playoffs.

That experience, coupled with his years of mentoring younger players, solidified Rojas as a leader who understood the importance of chemistry and resilience—qualities that would serve him well in his next chapter with the Dodgers.

From Miami to L.A.: A Seamless Transition

When the Dodgers acquired Rojas before the 2023 season, the move was initially seen as a depth addition, with the team already brimming with talent. However, with injuries to key players and the need for stability in the infield, Rojas has taken on a larger role than expected. His seamless transition back to Los Angeles is a testament to the growth he experienced in Miami.

Now playing alongside some of the game's biggest stars, Rojas continues to let his defense do the talking. His steady glove work at shortstop has given the Dodgers reliability in the infield, allowing manager Dave Roberts to trust him in late-game situations where defense is crucial. Whether it's turning a critical double play or making a game-saving dive, Rojas brings an invaluable defensive edge to the team.

But Rojas' contributions go beyond his defense. He's embraced the role of a veteran leader in Los Angeles, just as he did in Miami. Surrounded by younger players and rising stars, Rojas provides stability and guidance, helping foster a winning culture in a clubhouse filled with expectations. His ability to stay calm under pressure, honed through years of playing on struggling teams, adds a sense of professionalism that resonates throughout the team.

A Contributor in the Shadows of Stars

While Miguel Rojas may not put up the flashy numbers that garner headlines, his importance to the Dodgers can't be overstated. His years in Miami prepared him for moments when his team needs consistency and leadership, and he’s stepped up to fill that role in Los Angeles. Every championship-caliber team needs players like Rojas—steady, reliable, and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

As the Dodgers continue their quest for another World Series, Rojas' quiet contributions will remain crucial. His solid year at the plate—a .292 batting average with an above average OPS of .763—has allowed the Dodgers to be more flexible with how they deployed Mookie Betts and let him return to the outfield, where his gold-glove fielding can shine. His 3.1 WAR is tied with Will Smith for fifth on the team just behind the four “big dogs” of Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez. Clearly, the 2024 season would have been very different without Rojas on the roster.

Miguel Rojas may not be the star of the show, but his impact will be felt where it matters most—on the field and in the clubhouse, where championships are built. So as Miggy takes the field at LoanDepot Park this week, enjoy the guy at shortstop. He’s contributed more to the 2024 Dodgers than any of us had a right to expect.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!