Josh Rojas takes the field at Camelback Ranch for spring training, returning to Arizona for the first time since joining the Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – For Josh Rojas, putting down the bat was never an option – and that knack for swinging won’t change entering the 2025 MLB season. The Litchfield Park native is gearing up for his seventh year in the majors, this time as a utility player for the Chicago White Sox.
Returning to Arizona for spring training after joining the White Sox this past offseason carried special meaning, as Camelback Ranch is just a short distance from his hometown.
“It’s awesome,” Rojas said after a recent session at the team’s spring training facilities. “When I hit free agency this offseason for the first time, being in Arizona for spring training was at the top of my list.”
The former Arizona Diamondback began to make his mark on the sport when he played for Millennium High School in Goodyear. Under the guidance of then-head coach Mike Jacobs, Rojas developed his game.
Josh Rojas, a graduate of Millennium High School in Goodyear, returns to his home state to continue his MLB journey with the Chicago White Sox. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Rojas)
“Great ballplayer, great athlete,” Jacobs said. “I think that was one of the biggest things that gets lost in the mix is how good of an overall athlete Josh was.”
Jacobs highlighted leadership as one of Rojas’ biggest characteristics – and that would later propel him to a career in the major leagues.
“Led by example, which was always one of the biggest things,” Jacobs said. “But was also a vocal leader when he needed to be. And you see that now. A great teammate, a great clubhouse guy. So those things haven’t changed and probably have only become stronger in the sense of being a good person and a good athlete.”
After graduating from Millennium in 2013, Rojas enrolled at Paradise Valley Community College to continue his playing career. He faced a more competitive environment under PVCC coach Victor Solis, who grew into one of his mentors.
“I dealt with failure in the game for the first time,” Rojas said. “Just struggling whether it was offensively or defensively, he did a really good job of having ‘punishments’ for me when I didn’t act accordingly. He was really good. Developed me defensively and also on the mental side of the game.”
Solis held Rojas and the rest of the team to a high standard. Solis made it clear that junior college baseball had more implications for future opportunities.
“When guys come into our program, they were the best players on their high school team,” Solis said. “One thing we try to stress is you’re a part of a team. Josh is no different than any other player. He had to become a team member and be a team member. The rest speaks for itself.”
Rojas transferred to the University of Hawaii to finish his college career. Over two seasons at PVCC, Solis said Rojas’ confidence in playing several different positions grew, helping him become more versatile as a utility player.
“He was better defensively, and he was able to play multiple positions,” Solis said. “I think the confidence he grew out of playing multiple positions, not only in different games, but sometimes, you would play different positions in the same game. And that’s a trick that a lot of guys can’t do.”
Chicago White Sox veteran Josh Rojas credits Paradise Valley Community College for helping him develop the versatility and mental toughness that have defined his MLB career. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Rojas)
Rojas was drafted by the Houston Astros after college and was later traded to his hometown team, the Diamondbacks. When he was traded, the move sparked excitement within the Valley, especially from his former coaches.
“The first series we were able to get out there and go watch,” Jacobs said. “My son’s a huge fan of his. One of his favorite players to watch. Just a great opportunity.”
“I had to go to the bar and grill to watch his first game on TV in the big leagues,” Solis said. “He loves Phoenix. And I can’t imagine how fired up and how excited he was to be playing for his hometown team. He was especially committed to helping that team reach the playoffs, especially since they had their World Series run a couple of years ago.”
Rojas was traded to Seattle in 2023, spending a year and a half with the Mariners before joining Chicago in January. Now Rojas, 30, will have the opportunity to lead the young White Sox core as one of the veterans. Chicago opens its regular season Thursday with a home series against the Los Angeles Angels.
“It’s definitely different,” Rojas said. “It’s a new role. I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s come around nicely, just having guys that are willing to listen and want advice.”
Rojas looks to bring consistency to Chicago following last season’s 41-121 finish, the worst season in modern MLB history.
“I’ve always loved the game,” Rojas said. “I think that’s my biggest goal for this year is being consistent and playing hard.”