Rojas, Marlins eyeing 2-year extension (source)

September 18th, 2019

PHOENIX -- has long been “all in” on what the Marlins are building, and the 30-year-old shortstop has repeatedly said he wants to be part of the club’s long-term plans. Miami’s interest is mutual.

According to a source on Wednesday afternoon before Miami’s 5-4 loss to Arizona, the Marlins and Rojas are working toward a multiyear contract extension. Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports the deal is believed to be for two years, plus an option.

The Marlins have no comment.

On Tuesday night in Miami’s 12-6 win over Arizona at Chase Field, Rojas had four hits and a career-high six RBIs. For the season, the slick-fielding shortstop has a slash line of .288/.338/.388 with five home runs and 45 RBIs.

Defensively, Rojas is having a Gold Glove-caliber season at shortstop. His 13 defensive runs saved is fourth among all MLB shortstops, with the top three also in the National League.

Rojas is making $3.155 million in his second season of arbitration, and he would qualify for free agency after the 2021 season.

The Marlins acquired Rojas after the 2014 season from the Dodgers, and in the past couple of seasons, he’s established himself as an everyday shortstop. He’s also been a vocal leader on a 53-98 team that is loaded with inexperienced players.

After Tuesday’s win, Rojas said: “The opportunity is there. It’s all about who wants to be here in this clubhouse and who wants to be part of what we’re doing here in Miami. For me, it’s a great opportunity for everybody to start playing for their job for next year.”

Marlins manager Don Mattingly has been with Rojas for all four of his seasons in Miami, as well as in 2014 with the Dodgers.

Asked about Rojas setting an example, Mattingly said: “I’m really proud of Miggy and what he’s been able to accomplish. Watching him from the beginning of his career. I think it shows what a guy can do if he continues to work, continues to grind it out and continues to work on getting better. If young guys aren’t paying attention, then they are fools. If they’re not paying attention to guys like that, and what they bring to the game, and how they develop themselves and what type of teammate they are, then you’re probably not a guy that is going to pay attention to anybody.”