The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a phenomenal offseason, but there is still one more key member of the team looking for a new deal.
Manager Dave Roberts has been eyeing a new contract extension, and things are reportedly “optimistic” between the parties per the Los Angeles Times’ Jack Harris.
Since starting his tenure as manager in 2016, Roberts has four World Series appearences, two championships, and has finished first in the division all but one season since taking over.
As the defending champions of the baseball world begin spring training, Roberts told reporters he has good news to report regarding his contract, which 2025 is currently the final year of.
“Obviously, I love being here,” Roberts said to reporters Friday. “I haven’t shied away from that. I’m confident it’s going to get done. Right now, being here, I’m just really focused on these guys and pouring into them and just trying to get better and do something really special for this ’25 club.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman also spoke on a new deal.
“We’ve had conversations,” said Friedman. “We’ll continue to, and when we have something to announce, we’ll definitely do that.”
Roberts’ influence on the club is invaluable, but specifically in 2024, he shined brighter than other managers.
It is easy for casual baseball fans to look at the Dodgers roster and question why such a talented team would even need the role of a manager, but the leadership in the dugout was integral to the franchise’s eighth World Series ring.
Stars fractured bones in their hands, future Hall of Fame pitchers couldn’t get healthy, other arms in the bullpen who would be relied upon were having trouble staying on the field.
The only constant in an injury-riddled season, one could argue, was the manager. The leadership, poise, and sharp decision making from Roberts was directly tied to what happened in October.
Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Roberts is expected to make a nice, and well-deserved, pay day.
“A 10-year contract in the $80 million range would be appropriate,” theorized Bowden, “and if the Dodgers want to defer a big chunk of it, as they’re known to do, that would only help Roberts in his post-managing days.”
