MIAMI—Former Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas returned to loanDepot park on Tuesday night for the first time since being dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers on January 11.

Rojas spent eights seasons with the Marlins, including a postseason appearance in the 2020 Covid-shortened year. Over his eight-year Marlin tenure, Rojas played in 870 games, slashing .265/.318/.366 with 38 home runs and displayed Gold Glove-caliber defense at short. He was even a finalist for the award during the aforementioned 2020 season. He was deemed the unofficial team captain after the retirement of veteran Martin Prado.

Rojas met with the local media on Tuesday afternoon and shared gratitude towards the Marlins for everything.

“I’m really happy that the organization gave me a great opportunity throughout my whole career here, and I couldn’t be more proud of the way that they handled things with me and my family. I even got to sign a couple of extensions here in Miami and it was pretty important for me and my career. I will forever be grateful for this organization.”

Shortly after being dealt, Rojas mentioned multiple times that he wants to see the organization succeed whether he was part of it or not. While the Marlins did make the postseason in 2020, that was the only season during Rojas’ tenure in which they finished above .500. With Miami currently in a Wild Card race and three games over, Rojas said it was “amazing” to witness what the team is doing from afar.

“I say it from my heart, even if I’m not over there anymore, I’m happy that the organization is playing meaningful baseball in September and playing so well.”

While admitting it’s been difficult to keep tabs on the games being on the West coast, Rojas mentioned he keeps in contact with a lot of the current Marlins.

“Yeah absolutely. I don’t talk to them on a regular basis, but if something happens to them or to me, we’re always in contact. Jesús Luzardo is a really good friend of mine, Sandy Alcantara and all those guys —I got to be with those guys for so many years and create relationships that will last a lifetime.”

When asked what he learned the most from his time with Miami, Rojas said “learning how to play everyday and learning how to be a complete shortstop. I feel like the opportunity that I received in early 2018 was great, and I remember Don Mattingly telling me that when I play every day, I have to be ready for the struggles and up and downs.”

Rojas ranks seventh all-time in games played in Marlins franchise history, as well as second all time in defensive WAR at 6.6 (Charles Johnson ranks first with 8.6). His best offensive season with the Fish came in 2020, when he produced an OPS of .888 in 40 games.

In 2023, while struggling at the plate, he is still providing incredible defense at a premium position for one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. We wish Rojas nothing but the best here at Fish On First.