In the top of the ninth inning of Game Seven of the World Series, everyone was focused on the third batter due up: Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese superstar was in a prime position for a pivotal playoff moment. However, Ohtani did not get that moment. Dodgers backup infielder Miguel Rojas hit a game-tying solo home run just before Ohtani's scheduled hit. The Nationals should look to target that playoff hero this offseason.
The primary reason the Nationals should look to sign Rojas is his premium defense. For almost his entire career, Rojas has been a premium defender at shortstop and second base. This past season, Rojas’ outs above average ranked in the 91st percentile of all qualified players. While defensive statistics like outs above average can fluctuate from season to season for many players, Rojas has consistently been an elite performer in this metric. He has ranked around the 90th percentile since 2021.
Infield defense should be a priority for the Nationals next season. CJ Abrams has not been a quality shortstop, and the Nationals should move him to second base. In his place, Rojas is a great candidate to take over the most important defensive position on the infield. The Nationals have young pitchers who need to build their confidence. The best way to do this is to put quality defenders like Rojas at important positions. Rojas will make the jobs of the Nationals pitchers easier as they continue to develop.
Rojas is also a veteran leader who will be instrumental in building a winning culture in the Nationals clubhouse. Rojas has been consistently praised as a mentor and a leader. Moreover, at 36 years old, he is three years older than the Nationals' new manager, Blake Butera. The Nationals need veteran players who can help guide a young clubhouse. They need players who have played in big moments and know what winning teams are like. Rojas checks all of these boxes. He can help the Nationals develop a winning culture.
It may be difficult, though, to convince Rojas to come to the District. Rojas just won two World Series rings with the Dodgers, and he announced during the Dodgers playoff run that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season. Surely, Rojas will want to end his career with a third World Series ring with the Dodgers. But if Rojas does not return to Los Angeles, the Nationals should prioritize him in their free agent acquisitions.