Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is closing in on a long-term extension deal, according to sources confirmed by ESPN. The talks have been ongoing since February and the two sides are expected to agree on a new contract before the team leaves for Japan next week.
Roberts, 52, is entering his 10th season with the Dodgers, which will also be his final season under his current contract. His deal would surpass that of Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s five-year, $40 million contract, widely expected to top it in terms of total value and average annual value.
A cult hero in Boston for his stolen base that triggered a historic comeback in the 2004 ALCS, Roberts has led the Dodgers to four National League pennants, eight division titles, and a .627 regular-season winning percentage. He replaced Don Mattingly as manager in November 2015 and has since won 907 regular-season and postseason games.
Despite being criticized for his job security, Roberts has navigated the team through tumultuous seasons, including the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and last year’s disappointing early exit in the playoffs. However, this year he proved himself to be a valuable leader, guiding the team to their first full-season championship since 1988.
Roberts’ even-keel demeanor helped the team navigate the betting scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and his trademark positivity kept the team’s spirits high despite injuries to key players. He then navigated through bullpen games on four occasions, most notably to save the season against the Padres and to win the pennant against the Mets.
Roberts’ World Series championship win cemented his place in Dodgers history alongside Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda as one of only two managers to achieve multiple ring wins. His trust in players has been reciprocated, and he believes that this is the first team where both parties have truly trusted each other.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44143276/dodgers-dave-roberts-nearing-long-term-extension