Marlins extend Don Mattingly and Miguel Rojas

The Marlins announced the contract extensions of manager Don Mattingly and shortstop Miguel Rojas.

The Miami Marlins opened their final home series of the season with some encouraging news.

Mattingly’s extension runs through 2021 and includes a mutual option for 2022. He becomes the first MLB manager since Terry Collins to have losing records in his first four seasons with a team and return for a fifth season. The Mets went to the World Series in Collins’ fifth season at the helm.

“I think about his leadership, demeanor and overall character,” Marlins CEO Derek Jeter on Mattingly. “He’s all in. He keeps our guys competing on a daily basis.”

.@Marlins CEO Derek Jeter and manager Don Mattingly talk about how important “a sense of consistency” and “continuity” are for the organization right now.#JuntosMiami #MLB pic.twitter.com/jkyqOA9BKo

— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) 20 de septiembre de 2019

Mattingly said he’s thrilled to have the opoprtunity to see this though. He’s seen the prospects first hand and has read the reports. His extension is a good sign that the minor league talent that has been brought in over the last two years is on the way soon.

“Hopefully by the time I’m done, this team is in a great place,” Mattingly said.

Miggy Ro is coming back!

Hear what an emotional Miguel Rojas, and Don Mattingly have to say about the shortstop’s contract extension with the @Marlins.#JuntosMiami #MLB pic.twitter.com/VF8XXDEXXG

— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) 20 de septiembre de 2019

Rojas’ deal with Marlins is for $10.5M over 2 years and an option. Jeter called Rojas “the true example of a professional.”

“This front office has been transparent since last Spring Training. Derek and Bruce,” Rojas said. “They are always going to tell you the truth trom day one.”

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to see this through.”

-Don Mattingly talks about his @Marlins contract extension with CEO Derek Jeter at his side.#JuntosMiami #MLB pic.twitter.com/yLsEp9VkaI

— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) 20 de septiembre de 2019

Rojas has been with the Marlins since 2015 as a part of the Dee Gordon trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has grown from utility infielder to starting shortstop and team leader. When Mattingly was asked in July about who should be the Marlins All-Star, he chose Rojas for his leadership.

The Marlins should have about $25 million is coming off the books with Martin Prado’s contract expiring and Starlin Castro’s $1M buyout. That money should be spent on improving the team, especially the bullpen. While Jeter was non-committal on the issue, he did emphasize that he wants his top prospects to have a clear pathway to the big leagues.

“They’re coming and we don’t want to block their way,” Jeter said.

Here are the breakdowns of @MRojasOfficial and Don Mattingly’s contract extensions with the @Marlins.

🔽 #JuntosMiami #MLB 🔽 pic.twitter.com/9QVnRYpHUU

— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) 20 de septiembre de 2019