Miami Marlins sign Miguel Rojas to bridge contract
The Miami Marlins have inked infielder Miguel Rojas to an extension, allowing him to serve as a bridge to top prospect Jazz Chisholm.
During his career, Miguel Rojas has been a solid infield option for the Miami Marlins. While he may be best suited as a utility infielder, he has been pressed into duty as the Marlins regular shortstop, showing a relatively decent bat and an excellent glove.
Although Rojas is not a star, he has been a solid piece in Miami. As such, it is understandable that the Marlins would sign him to a two year extension.
Miguel Rojas and Marlins are in agreement on a 2-year deal plus team option. Buys out 1 arb year and 1 free agent year. Also give SS prospect Jazz Chisholm time to develop, as @DuseReport and others point out #fish
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 18, 2019
It has been perfect timing for Rojas to have what may be his best season with the bat. In his 482 plate appearances entering Wednesday, he had produced a solid .288/.338/.388 batting line, hitting five homers and 27 doubles. Rojas has also saved five runs at short, and his 1.7 dWAR ranks seventh in the National League.
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Even more importantly, by keeping Rojas in the fold for the next two years, they will give top prospect Jazz Chisholm time to develop. Acquired at the trade deadline for young pitcher Zac Gallen, Chisholm was a consensus top 70 prospect heading into the 2019 campaign.
Chisholm received his first action at AA this past season, with generally positive results. While he had his struggles, he produced an overall .220/.321/.441 batting line, hitting 21 homers and stealing 16 bases. That production, however, was skewed by a disastrous stint at AA while he was with the Diamondbacks.
Once Chisholm was acquired by the Marlins, his bat woke up. In his 94 plate appearances with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Chisholm produced a .284/.383/.494 batting line, hitting three homers and stealing three bases. He also drew 11 walks, while striking out 24 times.
With Rojas being in the fold, Chisholm will get plenty of time to develop. Given his overall weaker numbers at AA last season, it would not be a surprise if he begins the year back in Jacksonville. A hot start could lead to a promotion to AAA relatively early, leaving the Marlins prospect one step away from the majors. If he is able to make that leap, Rojas would then be able to slot back into a utility role.
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Miguel Rojas is really just a bridge for the Miami Marlins to get to Jazz Chisholm. With this extension, they will not need to rush their well regarded prospect.