Miguel Rojas to Retire After 2026 Season: His ‘Last Dance’ with the Dodgers and a Quest for a Three-Peat
Miguel Rojas, the “clubhouse leader” of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has confirmed he’ll be hanging up his cleats after the 2026 season. To be precise, it’s not a forced decision — it’s his choice to go out on top. Right after last season’s World Series victory, he announced: “When next season (2026) is over, I’m taking off the uniform.” In that moment, every fan at Dodger Stadium — and those of us watching on screens — couldn’t help but wish, “Let’s get this man a three-peat.”
Extension with the “Heart”: Worth $5.5M
In December 2025, the Dodgers re-signed Rojas to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. This wasn’t just a feel-good gesture for a veteran. In 2025, he played 114 games, hitting .262 with 7 home runs, and played Gold Glove-caliber defense. More importantly, his true value shines in the postseason. In both 2024 and 2025, Rojas was the Dodgers’ wild card. Whether at shortstop, second base, or third base, he seamlessly filled any injury gap and turned around a sagging dugout. His “winner’s aura” is something stats can’t measure.
The 2025 World Series Game 7 Shot We’ll Never Forget
Why are Dodgers fans so drawn to Rojas? It was proven in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, top of the 9th. Down by one run to the Toronto Blue Jays, three outs away from losing the repeat title, in a do-or-die moment. Rojas was sent up as a pinch hitter. On a 1-1 count, he golfed a low outside pitch the other way. The ball kept carrying, landing in the right-field stands. A dramatic game-tying solo homer. That was the moment the name “Miguel Rojas” was forever etched not just into baseball fans’ memories, but into the general public’s as well.
Unwavering Popularity, Seen in the “Appreciation T-Shirt”
The impact is, of course, reflected in merchandise sales. In shops around LA and across various online sites, gear with Rojas’ number “72” is flying off the shelves.
- APPRECIATION T-SHIRT ROYAL BLUE BREAKINGT...: Many fans say, “I can’t go to a game without this royal blue tee.”
- Miguel Rojas Jersey: Embroidered home white and limited custom models are especially popular. Both official and “unofficial (custom)” versions are constantly sold out.
- Kids’ and Adults’ Uniforms: Seeing parents and kids waving “Miguel Rojas” towels together is now a signature sight at Dodger Stadium.
Attention to Detail: His Gear, Like His Play, Is the Real Deal
Among fans, demand is especially high for the Miguel Rojas jersey — the white home, embroidered #72. More unofficial custom shops are popping up, but local diehards say, “If you love Rojas’ gritty, reliable defense, you should go for proper embroidery, not cheap prints.” That’s because his career has been all about the details. Having made his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 2014, spent eight years with the Miami Marlins, then returned — this man carries a different kind of weight on his shoulders.
2026 Season Opener: All In for a Final Year to Remember
Fast forward to March 27, 2026 (March 26 local time). The Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the season with a win. In the pregame ceremony celebrating their world championship, who carried out the 2024 and 2025 World Series trophies? Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas. While Shohei Ohtani caught the ceremonial first pitch from Magic Johnson, Rojas hoisted the trophy high. His face was full of determination — he’s not done yet.
But Rojas’ 2026 won’t be smooth sailing. He’d originally shown strong interest in playing for his native Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. However, age (37) and insurance issues related to his contract got in the way, forcing him to withdraw. Still, he says, “My goal hasn’t changed: a three-peat. The pride for Venezuela I would’ve worn in the WBC, I’ll show it in a Dodgers uniform.”
And Then, What Comes Next
Miguel Rojas is no mere mercenary. The organization already has a player development role waiting for him after retirement. What we’re watching this season from “Miggy Rojas” isn’t just about winning games. It’s an on-the-job masterclass in passing the “winner’s know-how” to the next generation of Dodgers. That’s why, as the season goes on, young players never leave his side. And that’s why, on a team full of superstars, he remains indispensable.
Rojas said, “I’m not doing this for the money. I came back to three-peat with this team.” The Dodgers logo etched on his chest. The last dance of number 72, carrying that pride. Don’t take your eyes off him.