Dodgers, Dave Roberts Close to Massive Contract Extension

According to reports, manager Dave Roberts is on the verge of signing a long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The news will perhaps come as little surprise after winning the World Series last year — his second championship with the club. With the team preparing for the imminent season opener in Tokyo, Japan, it seems likely the club will prefer to finalize the extension sooner rather than later.

“Doc” has been leading the Dodgers dugout since 2016, guiding them to levels of success they haven’t seen since the ’80s. His current three-year contract, which was signed in 2022, is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. According to ESPN, these negotiations have been taking place since February. Now, it appears to be nearing agreement as the talks have “progressed significantly” in the past few days.

It is also set to be a record-breaking extension, surpassing the record set by Craig Counsell’s five-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Cubs — either in total value or annual average value (AAV).

Roberts has had his fair share of critics, but his resume speaks volumes. His .627 winning percentage is the highest in MLB history amongst managers with at least 315 games. He has 851 wins entering 2025, ranking fourth all-time amongst Dodgers managers. His postseason resume boasts four National League pennants and two World Series titles.

Of course, having the resources to build a super team helps tremendously. Having superstars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and the number-one ranked prospect Roki Sasaki is a roster seemingly built in a video game. Still, it takes the right kind of manager to handle a team like that. 2024 was a season riddled with injuries, often leaving him to get creative and utilize “bullpen games” to see games out.

Brandon Gomes, the GM of the Dodgers, said that the talks have been “very good,” with a quick resolution apparently on the horizon. Some initial reports suggest the contract will be nearing $10 million AAV.

The Dodgers are expected yet again to challenge for the title in 2025. Tying down their manager to a record-breaking extension signals great trust in their investment in the team.

As it stands, Dave Roberts’ legacy with the Dodgers is far from over.