Headlines

  • Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s
  • Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager
  • Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs
  • Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor
  • Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment
  • Scott Rolen Elected Into Baseball Hall Of Fame
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Marlins Extend Miguel Rojas

By Steve Adams | September 20, 2019 at 2:25pm CDT

Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas will be reaching free agency a bit later than initially projected, as the organization formally announced a two-year contract extension for the 30-year-old defensive standout Friday. Rojas, a client of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, will reportedly be guaranteed $10.25MM in total. The contract also comes with a vesting option that’d take the deal north of $15MM, if triggered.

Miguel Rojas | Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The new contract buys out Rojas’ final season of arbitration, guarantees one free-agent season and gives Miami an option for what would be the second free-agent season for Rojas, who’ll turn 31 in February. Rojas earned a $3.155MM salary in 2019 and would’ve been eligible for arbitration for the final time this winter — although his relatively timid offensive profile would’ve prevented him from cashing in on a substantial raise.

The timing of the contract talks are a bit unusual, but the Miami organization is no stranger to September extensions. The Marlins previously worked out a three-year, $40MM extension for Martin Prado as well as a much smaller one-year extension with Greg Dobbs in the final month of a season (not that either deal panned out particularly well for them). Beyond that, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro tweeted this week that Rojas has “made it clear” to the Marlins that he wants to stay in Miami. The two sides apparently preferred to skip the potentially contentious arbitration process and proactively work out a multi-year arrangement.

Rojas has quietly become a versatile and fairly valuable player in South Florida, logging time at all four infield positions over the past few seasons while proving to be a difficult strikeout at the plate. He’s currently hitting .288/338/.388 with five homers, 27 doubles, a triple and eight steals in 2019, and he’s put together a serviceable (albeit still below average) .274/.327/.368 slash through 1316 plate appearances dating back to 2017. In that time, he’s punched out in only 12 percent of his plate appearances.

Though he’s spent the bulk of his time at shortstop over the past two seasons, Rojas grades out as an above-average defender all over the diamond. He’s generated elite numbers at the shortstop position, where he’s been credited with +26 Defensive Runs Saved and a +14 Ultimate Zone Rating dating back to 2017, which has helped to offset his lack of power and limited on-base skills.

Looking ahead, Rojas now appears poised to serve as the Marlins’ primary shortstop in both 2020 and 2021 — depending on the timeline of prospect Jazz Chisholm. For now, Rojas will likely be joined on the left side of the diamond by continually improving Brian Anderson, with well-regarded prospect Isan Diaz the favorite at second base. Garrett Cooper will likely round out the 2020 infield, although trades and free-agent acquisitions can certainly impact that composition. Rojas had previously been a somewhat under-the-radar trade asset, but a multi-year deal quite likely takes him off the market — at least in the short term.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman first reported the deal (Twitter links). Barry Jackson and Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald added some financial context, and Heyman tweeted final details.

Share 0 Retweet 12 Send via email0

Miami Marlins Newsstand Transactions Miguel Rojas

Justin Smoak’s Strange Season
Main
Blue Jays Claim Breyvic Valera, Designate Ryan Dull
View Comments (40)

Comments

  1. javaintx

    3 years ago

    yeah! build your franchise around that!

    Reply
    • kingcong95

      3 years ago

      I guarantee they’re planning to trade him for something good at the next deadline.

      Reply
      • david klein

        3 years ago

        Lol

        Reply
      • bravesiowafan

        3 years ago

        Something good as in a flier on a low grade prospect or change of scenery prospect

        Reply
        • floridapinstripes

          3 years ago

          Risking having to give a player tens of millions is worth a low grade prospect ? you trade reliever prospects and middling relievers for that. Not eat money especially since they have zero money locked up now.besides Chen for one more year.

        • spinach

          3 years ago

          What tens of millions, the extension is probably ten mill guaranteed tops.

        • floridapinstripes

          3 years ago

          You eldest extension it’s generally longer than 2 years. He is older still the 3rd year portion will jump above 10 mill. He’s obviously a defensive shortstop. A stopgap.

        • jbigz12

          3 years ago

          He’s also played 4 other positions on the diamond. You’re not extending him for a large sum of money nor are you extending a SS only player. He’s a fine stopgap and eventually utilityman.

      • Melchez

        3 years ago

        I was thinking the same thing. A Marlin signs a team friendly extension, expect to be traded soon.

        Reply
        • stubby66

          3 years ago

          Dont want him I’m sure the Brewers wouldnt mind him one bit

        • CrewBrew

          3 years ago

          Marlins are always welcomed in Brewers fans eyes for business lol. Got another Yelich lying around on a team friendly deal?

      • soccer11

        3 years ago

        Totally agree

        Reply
  2. RunDMC

    3 years ago

    Braves sign Ronald Acuna to lengthy extension.

    Derek Jeter: Hold my Zima.

    Reply
    • todd76

      3 years ago

      Jeter is just waiting to sign this guy to a extension then gift him to the Yankees.

      Reply
      • Paul Miller

        3 years ago

        *Jester

        Reply
  3. MarlinsFanBase

    3 years ago

    This is a move to bridge the gap to Jazz Chisholm, while offering a veteran SS to work with Isan Diaz at 2B and the rest of the young infield going forward. It also helps with the defense to support the young pitching. It stabilizes both offense and defense, even though he’s not anything close to an All Star, but has the defense and can bat in the 1 or 2 hole until those roles are taken over.

    Reply
  4. DTD

    3 years ago

    While he’s no superstar, he’s very beneficial for a continuously rebuilding, shallow pocketed organization.

    Reply
  5. dymez17

    3 years ago

    Oh

    Reply
  6. Dom2

    3 years ago

    2yr $9m with $6m option $500k buy out

    Reply
  7. BlueSkyLA

    3 years ago

    You have to give to Rojas, he’s a survivor. He’s smart to stick with the Marlins if they will have him. Not many other teams would give him an everyday role and the money that goes along with it.

    Reply
    • Cam

      3 years ago

      100%. He’s in a good spot in Miami – dollars and playing time that just wouldn’t be available elsewhere.

      He’s a good guy to have on board, especially as the Marlins will be sifting through a fair bit of young pitching over the next couple of years – having Rojas’ glove behind those guys will do them wonders.

      Reply
  8. WereAllJustGuestsHere

    3 years ago

    Rojas holds the position until Jazz or Devers is ready.

    Reply
  9. Ruben_Tomorrow

    3 years ago

    He’s the perfect platoon player for a contender. Instead he’s an okay everyday starter on a rebuilding team.

    Reply
  10. sufferfortribe

    3 years ago

    Meh, give me Cookie Rojas any day.

    Reply
  11. Caleb Clark

    3 years ago

    Good player to bring in for another 2 years. Chisholm will take longer than most people believe, seeing how long it has take Isan Diaz, Monte Harrison, Nick Neidert, and more to be called up. I makes sense too. Castro is a free agent at the end of the season, he isnt coming back. They could put Rojas at 3rd temporarily as well when they decide to call up Chisholm

    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      3 years ago

      Um…at 3B, the Marlins have some guy named Brian Anderson.

      Reply
      • jbigz12

        3 years ago

        It’s not like he didn’t make 60 starts in RF this year also. Rojas’ bat never plays at 3rd so I highly doubt that situation ever becomes plausible but Anderson is obviously not married to 3B.

        Reply
  12. weaselpuppy

    3 years ago

    Jon Berti anyone?

    Reply
    • Lou Orlando

      3 years ago

      Guys like Berti get exposed when given everyday at bats. Nice versatile spare part, but that’s about it.

      Reply
  13. Lou Orlando

    3 years ago

    Still waiting for just one of the prospects they received for Stanton, Ozuna, Realmuto and Yelich to really step it up and look like they might amount to more than just an average MLB pitcher or hitter.

    I don’t think Brinson is ever gonna figure it out, and Alfaro, though he offers pop, still strikes out way too much. Also, not sure he’s anything special behind the plate.

    I do like Smith and Yamamoto, but don’t think either one is more than a #3 or #4 starter for a contender. Sixto Sanchez is well thought of, but he’s probably still a year or two away. And he has to stay healthy.

    The Marlins do a lot of strange things. Signing Rojas to a two-year deal isn’t necessarily one of them, but I’ll wager his signing didn’t so much as rattle the phones in the ticket office.

    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      3 years ago

      Sandy Alcantara says, “I think some of the prospects from those trades have started to show something. They’re still young, so they need to show more consistency.”

      Zac Gallen asks, “Do I still count or do you all have to wait for Jazz Chisholm since I was then traded for him?”

      I’m sorry, but while Alfaro has certain flaws and lacks the same mobility that Realmuto has, his flaws at this point of his career are not as bad as Realmuto’s flaws were at the same point and age. And Alfaro has a far superior arm. His defensive side and HR power has more upside than Realmuto. Realmuto has more of a consistent bat and mobility and base running skills.

      Reply
      • Juan g

        3 years ago

        Alfaro is pretty decent catcher, just strikes out too much but he can rake also hes not jt on the bases but hes not wilson ramos he moves and hustles.

        Reply
      • jbigz12

        3 years ago

        That’s just not true at all for Realmuto. At 26 years of his age he was one of the games better catchers. Alfaro is not. He has problems making contact and he never draws a walk. He has not improved that at all in his career. He’s a fine catcher for now but if he never approves the plate discipline this all you’re ever getting.

        Reply
      • redsfan48

        3 years ago

        Alvaro’s defensive side has more upside than likely 2019 Gold Glover JT Realmuto?

        Reply
    • ludafish

      3 years ago

      I wish they traded Yamm or Smith to Arizona and kept Gallen. Now if Jazz works out well you can say he was part of one of those trades. Brinson does seem so lost which is a shame because we don’t need him to win an mvp just play good defense and they predicted he would be a 20 20 guy (now he looks like Maybin). Yamm could work out well. Monte Harrison could be the stud of the deal and if Isan can put it together it could definitely work out. Alcantara has shown some great flashes. Devers is destroying the minors he’s just so young. The other pitcher we got for Stanton has an amazing fastball and decent breaking but needs to cut the walks down (he could make a good reliever if anything).
      So the trades still need some time to marinate. The Stanton deal looks great now cause of his health and no one thought Yeli would hit 40hr. Should be interesting where this goes.

      Reply
  14. Juan g

    3 years ago

    I tell us what folks here are crushing rojas, as a mets fan he looks like hank aaron to us I mean he just kills mets pitching. He is a solid player great glove smart, slap contact hitter. Not a bad place holder

    Reply
  15. Juan v

    3 years ago

    Great move anyone that has watched the Marlins last few seasons. Have seen what a clubhouse leader he has become. not to mention his out the field things he does.
    The front office is definitely putting money in building blocks for a good roster.
    good utility team guy,goood international and draft. loaded farm system. And money coming off books and stadium and T.V deal looming. By the time they can spend on free agents. the sustainability will be there.

    Reply
  16. HalosHeavenJJ

    3 years ago

    Good for him. That’s life changing money and he’s making it in a stage with no income tax.

    31 is too old to gamble on arbitration and this free agent market. Take the guaranteed $$$.

    Reply
  17. Oxford Karma

    3 years ago

    For a team that’s been in off season mode for a couple months, signing extensions in September makes sense.

    Reply
  18. CrewBrew

    3 years ago

    Who are the Marlins going to build around?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager

    Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs

    Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor

    Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment

    Scott Rolen Elected Into Baseball Hall Of Fame

    Red Sox Sign Adam Duvall

    Brad Ausmus Reportedly Among Astros’ GM Finalists

    Mike Clevinger Under Investigation For Domestic Violence Allegations

    A’s To Sign Jesús Aguilar

    Arte Moreno No Longer Pursuing Sale Of Angels

    Twins Acquire Michael A. Taylor From Royals

    Padres Sign Nelson Cruz To One-Year Deal

    Sal Bando Passes Away

    Twins, Marlins Swap Luis Arraez For Pablo Lopez In Four-Player Trade

    Marlins To Move Jazz Chisholm To Center Field

    Pirates Sign Andrew McCutchen

    Mariners Sign Tommy La Stella, Designate Justus Sheffield

    Royals To Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal

    Twins Sign Chris Paddack To Extension

    Recent

    Brewers Release Jon Singleton

    Phillies, Jesus Cruz Agree To Minor League Deal

    Brewers Sign Robert Stock To Minor League Deal

    Red Sox Have Shown Interest In Matt Moore

    Gary Peters Passes Away

    Mariners Outright Justus Sheffield

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Orioles Designate Darwinzon Hernandez For Assignment

    Marlins Outright Daniel Castano

    Mets To Sign Michael Perez To Minor League Deal

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version