In Game 7 of the World Series, the Los Angeles were trailing with only two outs left in the game against the Toronto Blue Jays, but veteran utility man Miguel Rojas hit a solo home run to tie the game. It was miraculous that this moment saved the season, but Rojas hadn’t even recorded a hit in the calendar month entering the final game of the Fall Classic.
Rojas detailed his excitement after one of the most shocking home runs of the postseason in recent memory, but he also detailed what superstar Shohei Ohtani said to him during the celebration.
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“I think one of the best things that ever happened to me was hitting a home run and everyone was on top of me in front of the dugout,” Rojas said. “So, Shohei, he’s going to hit next, right? He hit to left and got two out in the inning, and he came back to the dugout and I was by the bat rack and he said, “Miggy, you can’t retire next year. We’re going to be playing together for another 10 years.”
“And we took a picture of him hugging me and saying, “I can’t retire next year, I have to play 10 more years,” and I’m like, ‘Shohei, I’m old. I don’t think I can play another 10 years, but I’m sure we’ll play together next year.’
Rojas has been above average at the plate this season, posting a .262 batting average and 2.1 bWAR, but his defensive skills and ability to connect virtually anywhere have been an extraordinary bonus for LA, which has had depth issues this season. He was a Gold Glove Award finalist at the utility position and made several appearances at second base, third base, shortstop, and even as a first baseman and relief pitcher.
For someone like Ohtani to want Rojas back not just in 2026 but for the next 10 years only speaks to Rojas’ leadership in the clubhouse and influence beyond the box score.
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Photo by Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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