Miguel Rojas Beat Mental Demons With Help of Kiké Hernandez

Aug 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas (11) is congratulated by third baseman Kiké Hernandez (8) as they head off the field after a play in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The pair of beloved Dodgers shared a few drinks — and a few tears — on Rojas’ hotel balcony ahead of a series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“I wanted to change the mentality, because if he didn’t, he was going to be on the way out,” Hernández explained to Woo. “Not because it was going to happen, but because he was going to do that to himself. I basically told him, ‘I’ve been where you are right now, and it’s not a good way to live. If you put a stop to it, and you say the season starts tomorrow and that’s the mentality you bring in each and every day, you’re going to be much more enjoyable.’”

That conversation changed Rojas’ outlook and ultimately saved his career, he told Woo.

“I got to the point where this year is more of I know my role, I know when I’m going to be playing, I know who I’m going to be facing,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about the team. And I couldn’t really care less about what I do this season, I just care how the organization is doing.”

Is 2026 really going to be Miguel Rojas’ last season?

While Rojas has publicly stated that this will be his last season in baseball, recent reports indicate that decision could change if the Dodgers become the first team to three-peat in nearly 30 years.

Do you think Miguel Rojas will stick around for another year?