Jose Rojas spent the majority of his time during the 2022 season in Triple-A Salt Lake with the Bees, but was called up for two separate stints with the Los Angeles Angels.
Drafted out Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, Calif., Rojas was taken in the 36th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the Angels. He joined the organization as an older prospect, making his MLB debut in 2021.
This past season, Rojas started the year with the Angels, making his first appearance on April 8, notching two doubles and driving in one run. In 20 at-bats through Apr. 14, he tallied just three hits, while striking out six times.
The Angels optioned him back to Triple-A on Apr. 16, and after multiple trips to and from MLB to the Minors, his next bit of extended time came in August. From Aug. 3-to-Aug. 25, Rojas batted .121, with four hits in 34 plate appearances. He struck out 11 times, recording no walks and didn’t log an extra-base hit.
His light bat and inability to get on base became an issue for general manager Perry Minasian and the need for his roster spot, designating him for assignment on Sept. 1.
The San Francisco Giants claimed him on Sept. 4, but only lasted in their system for a few weeks. Rojas didn’t accept an assignment to Triple-A and elected free agency.
In 22 games during the 2022 season, Rojas posted a .125/.140/.161 slash, with two XBH with a -24 wRC+.
Jose Rojas 2022 highlight
His top moment of 2022 came in Triple-A on July 9 after Rojas went 3-for-5 including a single, triple, and a home run with four runs batted in.
2023 outlook
Entering his age-30 season, Rojas signed with the Doosan Bears in the KBO in late October on a one-year deal with $1 million, including a $50k signing bonus. He will look to regain his value and eventually return to the Major League level, but that is unlikely to happen this season.
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