Dodgers sign Miguel Rojas to 1-year, $6M extension
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed infielder Miguel Rojas to a one-year, $6-million extension, the team announced Saturday.
Rojas is guaranteed to earn $11 million over the next two seasons, a figure that includes his $5.5-million salary in 2023 - the final year of his old deal - and $5 million in 2024. His new contract also contains a $5-million club option for the 2025 season with a $1-million buyout.
Los Angeles acquired the 33-year-old from the Miami Marlins last month for prospect Jacob Amaya. The trade marked a return to the organization for Rojas, who made his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 2014 before getting dealt to Miami that winter.
He was the Marlins' primary shortstop for most of his time in Miami. However, he'll likely serve in more of a utility role for Los Angeles, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. Rojas has started games at all four infield positions during his career.
#Dodgers MGR said he is leaning toward using Max Muncy at 3B, Gavin Lux at SS and Miguel Vargas at 2B, with Miguel Rojas filling in at all three spots. The primary reason for this alignment: Muncy is more comfortable at 3B than 2B, a position that will be much more demanding now.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) February 4, 2023
Rojas said Saturday that he recently underwent hand surgery to remove a loose piece of bone, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. He added that he wants to play for Venezuela at next month's World Baseball Classic if his hand and wrist return to full strength.
The nine-year veteran is a lifetime .260/.314/.358 hitter with 39 home runs, 269 RBIs, and 46 stolen bases across 955 big-league games. Defensively, he's accrued 36 defensive runs saved at shortstop.