LOS ANGELES -- The bye week before the NL Division Series came at a good time for the many Dodgers who are in need of a period to rest and reset before what they hope will be another deep postseason run. For Miguel Rojas, the five days off are especially important.
- NLDS Game 1, presented by Booking.com: Saturday on FS1/FOX Deportes/FOX One. NOTE: If MIL faces CHC, the LAD game will start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. If MIL faces SD, the LAD game will start at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Rojas is traveling back to Miami on Thursday to take his U.S. citizenship test, but he hopes to be back with his team in time for Friday's pre-NLDS workout. While the Dodgers spent the past several weeks securing their postseason spot and locking down a bye, Rojas took his spare moments to study the history and civics of the country he has called home since his professional career brought him stateside.
The citizenship test is just the beginning of what could be a memorable and emotional October for Rojas, who could retire after this postseason -- but has not quite closed the door on suiting up again in 2027.
"I feel like I wouldn't play for another team that is not the Dodgers. That's something that I have control over," Rojas said. "You have to meet with the organization and know what their plans are for the future and all that, and see if you fit in on the plans. … That's the reason why I feel like this might be it, and at the same time, I don't want to be a distraction to the whole group for what we want to accomplish."
In his past four years with L.A. -- with whom he made his big league debut in 2014 before spending the next eight seasons with Miami -- Rojas has grown into one of the key voices for the team. He is one of the leaders in the clubhouse and has played a large role in crafting the culture that has put the back-to-back champion Dodgers in position to vie for a three-peat.
So respected is Rojas by his peers that he has won the team's Roy Campanella Award, given annually to the Dodger who best embodies the spirit and leadership of the Hall of Famer, in three straight seasons.
"To have that award, it meant a lot to him," manager Dave Roberts said. "And it's also something that's voted on by players and staff -- so that's the people that really know you."
But his impact has not only come off the field. Rojas hit one of the biggest home runs in franchise history in Game 7 of last year's World Series, an improbable game-tying shot in the ninth inning that set the stage for the Dodgers' comeback victory in Toronto. He continued to be productive while serving in a more limited role in his age-37 season, recording an .809 OPS against left-handers and seeing time at every infield position (primarily playing second base and shortstop).
The possibility of continuing to build something special with the Dodgers has caused Rojas to think long and hard about whether he's actually ready to say goodbye to his playing days.
Even if Rojas retires, his time with the Dodgers will not be over. He gave some thought to his post-playing career when he re-signed with L.A. this past offseason, as his contract baked in his transition into a player development role within the organization starting next season.
Working in player development could be a seamless fit for Rojas, who has served as a mentor for young Dodgers and experienced veterans alike. That shows up on the field, like when Mookie Betts credited Rojas for many of his "mental successes" in his first season as a full-time shortstop last year, and in less tangible ways, like when Rojas gave up his No. 11 to help Roki Sasaki feel comfortable in his first season in the Majors.
"I like to be there for my guys," Rojas said. "I like everybody to feel good, because I'm a true believer that when you feel good and people around you make you feel good, you play better."
Rojas' teammates have shown up in a similar way for him leading up to his U.S. citizenship test. As he has studied up, his teammates have quizzed him with flashcards and helped him come up with mnemonic devices to ensure he remembers the names of his senators and representatives.
"I have to give them a lot of credit for keeping me on my toes with the questions, because they've been helping me a lot," said Rojas, before adding with a smile: "And they always make fun of me."
Rojas has accomplished a lot in his 13 big league seasons, from his two championships with the Dodgers to the many lives he's touched. He may not know with certainty whether this postseason is the end for him, but if it is, he has had a career to remember.