GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Dodgers have extended Dave Roberts’ tenure as manager with a new four-year contract, set to last until the end of the 2029 season. This exciting development means Roberts will continue to lead the current World Series champions. Reports from earlier this week indicate that the contract may be valued at approximately $32.4 million, which could make him the highest-earning manager on average across major teams, surpassing Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell’s upcoming deal set for 2024.
Entering his 10th season, Roberts boasts a remarkable winning percentage of .627 (with a record of 851-507), the highest in the history of Major League Baseball. At 52, he has successfully guided the Dodgers to clinch World Series titles twice, once in the previous year and another during the pandemic-shortened season of 2020. Renowned for his calm demeanor, Roberts has successfully integrated big players, including superstar Shohei Ohtani and Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, into the team dynamic.
Under Roberts’ leadership, the Dodgers have made it to the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, setting a record for the National League. Additionally, they have captured four NL pennants and eight NL West titles during this time. Expressing his enthusiasm and gratitude, Roberts stated, “I am excited and grateful to continue this great journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best organization in sports. Building my relationships with the players and the fans has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s a privilege I do not take lightly.”
Roberts, who was born in Japan, made history when he became the Dodgers’ first manager of color on November 23, 2015, after enjoying a decade-long career playing in the major leagues. Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, conveyed their joy about continuing the collaboration with Roberts, stating, “Continuity and stability are staples of this organization, and we are incredibly excited that this agreement allows us to maintain our focus of working together towards bringing more championships to Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers will kick off their new season with an opening game against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18.
