Why did the 2020 MVP return to KT after shaking off the U.S.-Japan proposal
Rojas arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport on Tuesday. He will return to Korea for the first time in four years after winning the league MVP award in 2020. Rojas, who signed a 900,000-dollar contract with KT on Dec. 7 last year, will join the team immediately and participate in the spring camp in Gijang County.
Rojas, who joined KT in 2017, recorded a batting average of 321 (633 hits in 1971) in 511 games over the past four years with 132 homers, 409 RBIs, 350 runs and 27 stolen bases with an OPS of .981. In 2020, he recorded a batting average of 349 (192 hits in 550 at-bats) with 47 homers, 135 RBIs, 116 runs and an OPS 1.097 in 142 games.
Rojas, who had one of the best seasons in the KBO league, signed a contract with Hanshin Tigers and entered the Japanese pro baseball league. However, he only posted a batting average of 2202 (82 hits in 372 times at bat) with 17 homers and 48 RBIs in 149 games over the past two years, and was eventually released in October 2022. After playing for the Dominican Republic and Mexico, Rojas was called back by KT and returned to Korea.
In an interview after entering Korea, Rojas said, "I'm so excited to come back to Korea. Even after leaving Korea, I watched KBO league games and especially KT games a lot. Around 2020, the mayor of Suwon said on social media that we should win together later, but I'm happy to come back."
Rojas, who batted .269 (101 for 376) with 17 homers and 66 RBIs in 109 games last year in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, received offers from multiple clubs besides KT. However, Rojas decided to return to Korea after signing a contract with KT. "We received offers from other teams including the U.S. and Japan, but we thought Korea would be our second home," Rojas explained why he chose KT. "I wanted to win the championship with KT."
Rojas, who entered Japan after the best season in Korea, did not show his skills in the new league. "When I was in Japan for two years, preparations were delayed due to COVID-19," Rojas said. "Joining the team was delayed, and as a result, I didn't have enough time to adjust to the league. I had a bad season in the first year and was affected by the second season."
On the difference between the KBO League and the Japanese professional baseball, Rojas said, "Both leagues are competitive and my favorite. There are many similarities, but there are also many differences. Korea also tends to bunt a lot, but Japan really uses a lot of small-ball style baseball. I think Korea tends to aim for more home runs."
Rojas returned to the KBO after four years. Furthermore, the KBO League is set to undergo major changes this season by introducing Peach Clock and ABS. "I experienced Peach Clock once in the Dominican Republic. I don't think there would be any big problems. Personally, I liked it more because the game was played fast. I will do my best in Korea as well," Rojas said in expressing confidence.
"My goal this year is to finish the season in good health," said Rojas. "I need to help my team win a lot. I'm in good physical condition now. I'm worried that the spring camp will be held in Gijang, so I don't think it will be a big problem. I'll be able to prepare well for the opening game. I'm in better physical condition than four years ago. I've gained a lot of experience from other countries and came back. I think I also have a good physical ability to show my skills based on those experiences. I don't know if my record will be better or not, but I'm in really good physical condition," he promised.