When Dave Roberts walks into a room, you can almost feel the Dodgers front office collectively hold its breath. After all, it’s hard to ignore a man balancing a World Series ring, years of success, and the subtle grin of someone who knows exactly how much he’s worth. As contract negotiations swirl and $10 million dances in the distance, Roberts isn’t just playing the game—he’s reminding everyone who really holds the cards.
Since his time at the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Roberts has led them to 2 World Series and many division titles. Had it been any other team, they would have given him the deal he asks. But not with the Dodgers! There, he will have to prove his worth.
And many think he has. In an interview with Buster Olney, Roberts discussed these things. “I think that you know, Mookie obviously being very vocal publicly about my value, my impact on the club, Freddie, Teo, Miguel Rojas, all these guys, and Max Muncy. So for me as a manager, it means everything because you do your job because you love the game but most importantly you love players,” shared Roberts.
On the podcast, https://t.co/4s6wca1rzi Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts talks about the shift in how players perceive him. pic.twitter.com/74Syf1uM98
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 11, 2025
While several players are letting people and the front office know how important Dave Roberts is, the most vocal person on the team has been Mookie Betts. Everywhere he goes he does not forget to mention the value of Dave Roberts. In an interview, he shared that the Dodgers are where they are because of their manager.
If the Dodgers front office needs more proof, perhaps they should trade places with Mookie Betts for a day. Managing a clubhouse brimming with egos, expectations, and million-dollar contracts isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for Dave Roberts. The question isn’t whether Roberts deserves that $10 million; it’s whether the Dodgers can afford the chaos that would unfold if they let him walk. Spoiler alert: They can’t!
When the Captain Jumps Ship: How teams get on after losing a star manager
Well, teams often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. Take the 2024 Chicago White Sox, for instance.
After parting ways with manager Pedro Grifol mid-season, the team spiraled further, ending with a dismal 5-25 record under interim leadership. This nosedive not only highlighted the challenges of abrupt managerial changes but also underscored the pivotal role a seasoned manager plays in maintaining team cohesion and performance.
Another one? The steady leadership of A.J. Hinch during the 2025 offseason might guide the Detroit Tigers toward a successful outcome – the result of stable managerial practices. The Tigers developed their previous achievements further by keeping their coaches and strategically recruiting players.
If Dave Roberts leaves the Dodgers, it won’t just mark the end of an era. Managing a roster packed with superstars isn’t a skill you stumble upon; Roberts has masterfully balanced egos, expectations, and setbacks while keeping the team in the playoff hunt every year. Without his steady hand, the talent might remain, but the harmony and success that defined them could quickly unravel.
If Roberts exits, the Dodgers might face a leadership void akin to the White Sox’s struggles. It’s a stark reminder that in baseball, as in life, sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
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