In a poignant moment during the 2026 MLB season, the baseball world witnessed a heartwarming message from Freddie Freeman to teammate and close friend Miguel Rojas, following Rojas’s public sharing of the heartbreaking news of the sudden death of his beloved father, Miguel Rojas Sr., on April 7th.

Rojas’s message stunned the Dodgers community: he had to leave the team before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays upon receiving the news of his father’s passing, and later posted a tearful message on Instagram, expressing his regret at not being able to say a final goodbye to his father.

This sad news not only shook the team but also resonated throughout MLB and the global baseball community. Rojas—one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spiritual leaders—became the focus of profound sympathy from fans, teammates, and other baseball legends.

In his statement, Rojas wrote:

“With deep sadness on behalf of the entire Rojas family, I must share that my father, Miguel Rojas—known as ‘Micky’—passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon, April 7th. I am grateful to everyone who sent their love and support to our family. My father was loved by so many throughout his life…”

The image of Rojas standing on the field, his eyes heavy with grief, captured a moment where baseball seemed insignificant compared to the family’s sorrow.

Shortly after the news spread, veteran star Freddie Freeman—who had experienced his own profound loss of his mother at a young age—sent heartfelt words of encouragement to Rojas.

In a message shared with reporters and teammates, Freeman said:

“Miguel, I know this pain better than most people. When you lose the person you love most in the world, it’s not just sadness — it’s a part of you being taken away. I can’t know how you’re feeling every single moment, but I understand the emptiness and the unspoken longing…”

Freeman continued:

“In times like these, baseball is just a game. Family is everything. And I want you to know that we — the whole team, the coaching staff, and the fans — are with you. We’re all going through this together.”

Freeman’s message—both tender and powerful—was instantly shared on social media and in MLB media, creating a profound emotional impact. This situation was not just about understanding between two teammates, but also a testament to the spirit of solidarity in the world of sports.

Freddie Freeman, who experienced the pain of losing his mother, Rosemary Freeman, at the tender age of 10 — something he has repeatedly said “shaped his entire being and career” — understands that most words in a time like this are insignificant compared to the loss.

He often mentions his mother in interviews, seeing her as a daily source of motivation to live better — and this makes his message to Rojas even more heartfelt.

“Nobody says this sadness will go away,” Freeman said. “It’s still there, in every ordinary moment. But you don’t have to keep it alone.” — an inspiring message that fans are sharing widely.

The Dodgers’ management and the entire team quickly expressed their unwavering support for Rojas. They granted him temporary leave to be with his family and sent a shared message to Rojas and his family: “We share your grief.”

On the field, captains like Freeman, along with coach Dave Roberts, emphasized that teamwork is built not only on batting and catching, but also on being there for each other in the darkest times.

Baseball is a competitive and challenging world — but when it comes to the loss of family, all titles and numbers become insignificant. Friendship and understanding — as Freeman’s message to Rojas — are what last the longest.

At this moment, the entire MLB community is focusing on Rojas, sending him strength and comfort. Words of encouragement are coming not only from the team but also from thousands of fans around the world, reminding us that ultimately, we are all human in the face of pain and loss.