The Los Angeles Dodgers have picked up their $5 million club option for veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas in 2025.

Rojas, 35, had one of the best offensive seasons of his career in a historic year for the World Series champion Dodgers. Rojas has slashed .283/.387/.410 in 337 trips to the plate this year.

Although Rojas started on the bench, he replaced Mookie Betts at shortstop after the star fractured his hand in June. Betts was hit by a pitch that resulted in a fracture that kept him sidelined until August.

Rojas also didn’t stay unscathed throughout the season as he dealt with forearm and groin issues. Injuries were also an issue for Rojas throughout October, resulting in Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman earning spots.

Rojas is an elite defender and a respected figure in the clubhouse. As a veteran, the shortstop provides advice and guidance to his teammates.

There were rumors that the Dodgers were going after a high-profile shortstop on the market, but with Rojas returning for the 2025 season, it appears the Los Angeles front office may be focusing elsewhere.

There was speculation that the Dodgers would go after Willy Adames of the Milwaukee Brewers or Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays, but Rojas, Hernández and Edman can all play shortstop.

However, Hernández and Edman are both utility players, meaning both can play just about anywhere. Additionally, Hernández is a free agent, so his future in Los Angeles is not a guarantee.

The utilityman established himself as one of the Dodgers’ best in October, so it would be hard to imagine the Dodgers would let Hernández go.

Rojas could serve as a backup option if the Dodgers add a star shortstop like Adames or Bichette.

The Dodgers could also have their sights set on Ha-Seong Kim, who declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres and became a free agent. The only problem with Kim is that he will likely miss the start of the 2025 season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Whether the Dodgers sign a high-profile shortstop or opt to use Rojas, Hernández and Edman at the position, the team’s early offseason moves indicate the front office will try to keep the core together for another year.

The 2024 Dodgers were a special team, but the front office will have to decide if bringing back every free agent is worth it. The Dodgers decided to bring back Rojas and catcher Austin Barnes after choosing their club options.