“I can’t stop thinking about him…” Rojas said, his voice trembling. “Every day I go out there, I think of my dad. He sacrificed his whole life so I could be where I am today. I try to be strong, but sometimes the longing is too much, and I can’t hold back the tears.”

Manuel Rojas, Miguel’s father, passed away in early April 2026 after a long battle with illness. He was the one who brought Miguel from a poor boy in Venezuela to America to pursue his baseball dream. Despite difficult economic circumstances, Manuel was always a strong pillar of support, driving hundreds of miles to take his son to training and competitions in lower leagues.

Miguel Rojas says his father was the greatest inspiration in his career. From the tough days in the Marlins system to becoming a 2024 World Series champion with the Dodgers, Rojas has always dedicated all his success to his parents. He often calls Manuel the “silent hero” of the family.

“He never missed a single one of my games on television. Even when he was in pain, he would video call me before each game to wish me good luck,” Rojas recounted, his voice trembling. “Now that he’s gone, I feel empty. But I know he’s up there, watching over and cheering me on.”

After his father’s death, Rojas remained resilient on the court. He played with a high sense of responsibility, but when he was alone, the pain would return. Teammates in the Dodgers locker room said Rojas often sat quietly in a corner, looking at a photo of him and his father and wiping away tears before going out onto the court.

Teoscar Hernández, a close teammate, shared: “Miguel was one of the strongest people I know. But losing his father is too much pain. We are trying to be with him every day. He was not just a teammate, but also our little brother.”

The Dodgers’ management also quickly provided special support for Rojas. The team gave him time off when needed and held a private memorial service. Coach Dave Roberts said: “Miguel was a true warrior. He continued to play for his love of baseball and for his family. We respect him and will be with him during this difficult time.”

Miguel Rojas joined the Dodgers in 2023 and quickly became one of MLB’s best defensive shortstops. He was an example of professionalism, resilience, and love for his family. Even as his career neared its end, Rojas remained a vital part of the Dodgers’ championship defense.

Meanwhile, Rojas stated that he will continue playing to honor his beloved father. He plans to dedicate a portion of his salary to establishing a charity named after his father to support underprivileged families in Venezuela in pursuing their children’s baseball dreams.

Miguel Rojas’ tears last night were not only the pain of a son losing his father, but also a testament to the profound love of family – something even the greatest baseball game cannot replace.

The Red Sox Nation, Dodgers Nation, and all MLB fans are sending their deepest condolences to Miguel Rojas and his family. We hope he will find the strength to overcome this grief and continue writing his story on the baseball field – where his beloved father always proudly watched over him.