Is the Dodgers’ Next Manager Already in the Clubhouse?

“This guy’s got a magnetic personality. Also, baseball IQ off the charts. So that’s my pick to be the successor of Dave Roberts one day. I want to see Miguel Rojas go down as the Dodgers manager that takes on that torch because he’s great with the media, he’s great with his teammates.”

Miguel Rojas and Dave Roberts share career similarities

McKain goes on to explain that the playing careers of Rojas and Roberts share some facets.

“Dave Roberts was not a a top-level prospect. He had to fight and claw to stay in the show. And then what is Dave Roberts always going to be known for? The steal, 2004, the ALCS steal against the Yankees,” McKain said. “What is Miguel Rojas always going to be known for? The home run Game 7 of the World Series. Both had these improbable postseason moments that you can’t take away from them. And that’s what I like about Miggy Ro. “

How can MLB players transition into managing?

Of course, it’s worth noting that Rojas’ candidacy to replace Roberts would be greatly enhanced by some managerial experience before taking over one of the premier franchises in sports.

But for players who do make that transition, the key often is playing for the team they later manage.

Roberts had some coaching and front-office experience with the San Diego Padres before coming to LA, but he’d previously played for the Dodgers from 2002 to 2004.

Aaron Boone is managing the New York Yankees now, but he didn’t have managerial experience before his hiring ahead of the 2018 season.

Instead, he’d been a broadcaster for eight seasons. But what experience he did have was as a Yankees player in 2003.

Another manager, Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs, managed the Milwaukee Brewers for nine seasons before heading to the Windy City.

He didn’t have any coaching experience before that, instead working in the Brewers front office and as a part-time broadcaster for the team.

What he did have, though, was experience as a player with the Brewers.

He spent six seasons in Milwaukee over two stints, first in 2004 and then from 2007 to 2011.

Is Rojas the next player to transition quickly into managing? If franchises value playing experience for the team the way they seem to, Rojas will be a strong candidate.

Do you think Miguel Rojas would be a good manager for the Dodgers?

Janai Williams contributed to this report.