There shouldn't be a sense of finality for this Los Angeles Dodgers core. Despite falling short of their quest to win a third consecutive World Series title, the Dodgers still possess the talent -- and the financial means -- to reach the summit many times again.
For one key member of the last two championship teams, however, this is the end of the road.
Miguel Rojas is retiring from MLB, the veteran infielder announced shortly after his team's 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Praise from his teammates came swiftly.
"I don't have words to really describe him, especially for me and all the growth that I've had from him," Betts said, per MLB.com's Courtney Hollmon. "It's kind of like that dad that sits over and watches and makes sure I'm good, making sure I'm learning everything. ...
"For the boys, he's our leader. Our vocal guy. He gets on the mic, makes sure we're playing the game hard, holds everybody accountable. Not having him in a Dodgers uniform would be something completely different for all of us."
Eight other players are eligible for free agency, meaning Rojas might not be the only one who has played his final game for LA. Crucially, though, headliners Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman remain under team control, despite disappointing in the NLCS.
Rojas, 37, broke into the big leagues with the Dodgers in 2014 and was shipped to the Miami Marlins in the trade that initially brought Kike Hernandez and Austin Barnes to LA. He spent the bulk of his 13-year career in Little Havana before he was traded back to LA in 2023. He won World Series rings with the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025.
Those precious souvenirs seemed to offer little solace on Thursday, however. Reporters noted that Rojas still had his uniform on long after his teammates had slowly undressed in the quiet clubhouse. Even if the Dodgers reach the top of their sport again, it will be without one of their emotional leaders.