MLB trade grades: Dodgers swoop for Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas

The Los Angeles Dodgers found a new shortstop by bringing back a familiar face, trading to add Marlins veteran Miguel Rojas.

Miguel Rojas got his major league debut with the Dodgers. He’s heading back to Los Angeles almost a decade later.

When rumors of the Marlins’ willingness to trade Rojas emerged, the Red Sox were linked to the shortstop. Instead, the Dodgers swooped in.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles was on the verge of wrapping up a trade with the Marlins for Rojas, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic and others.

Miguel Rojas trade details: Dodgers-Marlins on verge of deal

The Dodgers traded Rojas to the Marlins in the first place, along with Dee Gordon, Dan Haren and cash, as part of the deal acquiring Andrew Heaney, Chris Hatcher, Enrique Hernandez and Austin Barnes back in 2014.

This time, the trade looks like a much simpler affair. The player going back the other way, according to Craig Mish, is infielder Jacob Amaya.

Miguel Rojas trade grades

Who won the Miguel Rojas trade? The Dodgers are getting a shortstop and the Marlins picked up a prospect for an expiring contract.

Dodgers trade grade: B

After watching Trea Turner leave in free agency, LA needed help at shortstop. Acquiring Rojas means adding a true defensive presence at the position while freeing up others in the lineup.

With Rojas at SS, Gavin Lux can remain at second base and Chris Taylor will be needed less often in the infield.

The downside of the trade is Rojas’ offensive presence. He batted .236/.283/.323 in 2022 and simply won’t contribute big numbers at the plate. He’s a significant step back from Turner and his 21 home runs.

Marlins trade grade: B

Amaya is the No. 15 prospect in the Dodgers organization and he’s got this play on his highlight reel.

Considering Rojas’ contract was going to expire after the 2023 season, picking up something in return was a smart move for the team, even if it’s not a splashy one.