The Dodgers popped champagne to celebrate their advancement, while veteran Miguel Rojas announced he plans to retire after next season.

Amid the joy of advancing to the National League Championship Series, champagne flowed freely in the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse as the team celebrated. However, during the celebrations, veteran Miguel Rojas dropped a bombshell in an interview, revealing his intention to officially retire after the 2026 season.

On October 10, the Dodgers defeated the Phillies 3-1 in the National League Division Series, securing their spot in the NLCS. After the game, players sprayed champagne on each other in the locker room to celebrate. The 36-year-old Rojas calmly stated in an interview, “I’m already 36, and this journey has been incredible. I’ve given my all during these four years here. I want to finish my career with this team because I plan to retire after next year.”

Rojas has played 12 seasons in the major leagues, appearing in 1,296 games with 988 hits and a batting average of .260. This year, he often pitched in blowout games, even mimicking the pitching styles of Yushin Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, sparking much discussion. After Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki joined the Dodgers this year, he chose to wear number 11, which he wore during the 2019 U18 World Cup, and Rojas graciously gave up his jersey number.

This season, Rojas signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dodgers, playing in 114 games with a .262 batting average. He will become a free agent after the season. He expressed hope to sign another one-year deal with the Dodgers and officially retire after the 2026 season. Rojas said, “This is not about stats or awards; it’s about ending it where I truly love.”

If Rojas continues in the major leagues next year, he is likely to reach the milestone of 1,000 career hits, currently just 12 hits away.