Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Dodgers have named infielder Miguel Rojas the recipient of the prestigious 19th annual Roy Campanella Award, a recognition given to the Dodger player who best embodies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher, Roy Campanella. The award, voted on by Dodger uniformed personnel, will be presented to Rojas in a pregame ceremony by Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, and grandson, Cari Bell, before Wednesday night’s game.
This honor marks a significant moment in Rojas’ career, making him the 14th Dodger to win the award. At 35 years old, Rojas joins a small group of older players who have received this recognition, alongside Jamey Carroll (36 in 2010), Chase Utley (37 in 2016, 39 in 2018), and Justin Turner (35 in 2020). For Rojas, who returned to the Dodgers in 2023 after a stint with the Miami Marlins, this award reflects his leadership both on and off the field.
Rojas made his Major League debut with the Dodgers in 2014, becoming known for his defensive prowess, particularly during Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter on June 18, 2014, when he made a critical defensive play at third base. After spending several seasons with the Marlins, where he developed a reputation as a Gold Glove-caliber defender and a leader in the clubhouse, Rojas rejoined the Dodgers, signing a two-year deal.
In 2024, Rojas has once again proven his value, both with his glove and his bat. He has started 84 games this season, with 65 of those starts coming at shortstop. His defense has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a .992 fielding percentage, making just two errors all season. Among players who have appeared in at least 50 games at the position, Rojas leads all big-league shortstops in fielding percentage. This level of defensive excellence has been one of the key reasons for the Dodgers’ success this year.
Offensively, Rojas is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. With a .287/.337/.416 slash line, six home runs, 21 doubles, eight stolen bases, and 36 RBIs in 303 at-bats, he’s having a standout year. His .753 OPS is the highest in any full season of his career, and his .287 batting average is his best since he hit .290 in 2017. Additionally, Rojas has been incredibly productive in key situations, batting .300 against right-handed pitchers, .340 on the road, and .299 with runners in scoring position.
Rojas’ leadership extends beyond his on-field performance. Since returning to the Dodgers, he has taken on a significant role in the clubhouse. Rojas instituted a players-only series victory celebration, where, after a series win or a sweep, he delivers a toast and hands off the recognition to the “player of the game.” His leadership style has brought the team closer, fostering camaraderie and unity. Rojas has also been a mentor to Mookie Betts, teaching him the intricacies of playing shortstop, demonstrating his willingness to help teammates improve their skills.
Reflecting on his role and his time with the Dodgers, Rojas has expressed his desire to play the rest of his career in Los Angeles, a sentiment that illustrates his deep connection to the organization and his commitment to the team’s success.
The Roy Campanella Award is named after one of the greatest figures in Dodgers history. Campanella, a three-time National League Most Valuable Player (1951, 1953, and 1955) and a member of the 1955 World Championship team, was an eight-time All-Star and remains an iconic figure in baseball. His 1953 season, in which he drove in 142 runs, set a franchise record that stood until Tommy Davis surpassed it in 1962.
Campanella’s career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1958, which left him paralyzed. Despite this, his contributions to baseball and his role as a leader and mentor never wavered. On May 7, 1959, more than 93,000 fans attended Roy Campanella Night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, setting a Major League record for attendance at an exhibition game. Campanella was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969 and had his uniform number retired alongside legends Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax.
As a recipient of the award named in honor of such a distinguished figure, Rojas is now part of an elite group of Dodgers players who have embodied Campanella’s spirit of leadership, integrity, and perseverance. Previous winners of the award include stars like Freddie Freeman (2022), Chris Taylor (2021), and Clayton Kershaw (2013-14).
For Rojas, winning the Roy Campanella Award is a testament to his impact on the team in 2024, a season in which his leadership and contributions have not gone unnoticed.
