Dave Roberts isn’t just managing a baseball team—he’s running a masterclass in leadership, and belief, and keeping his guys from emotionally imploding. Last year, when one of his key players faced a brutal setback at the worst possible time, Roberts didn’t flinch. Instead, he sent a message so bold, so absurdly confident, that it now feels almost prophetic.
Miguel Rojas rejoined the Dodgers camp in 2023 after an exchange with the Marlins. After the 2023 season, he signed an extension to stay with the Dodgers for the 2024 season. During this season, Miguel Rojas faced one of his worst setbacks.
Rojas’s knee injury worsened during a game against the Padres in NLDS game 4, and he was not able to play the rest of the series. The injury was later told to be a sports hernia and Rojas had to get it surgically repaired. During this difficult time, Roberts reached out to Rojas and said, “Miggy, we’re going to win the World Series this year, and we’re going to win it next year together.”
In that situation, these words were a huge confidence booster for Miguel Rojas. He says this was special for him because of the position the Dodgers were in. The Dodgers were just one game away from being knocked out, and this is the confidence Dave Roberts had in his players.
He also says that Dave Roberts is the leader that is holding this team together. He understands how hard it has been for the Dodgers’ manager because Roberts is the one that will be highlighted for every mistake the Dodgers make.
And yet, here we are—Roberts still standing, the Dodgers still winning, and Rojas back on the field. In a sport where one bad series can put a manager on the hot seat, Roberts doesn’t just survive—he thrived. Maybe blind faith isn’t so blind when you’ve got the receipts to back it up.
Dave Roberts shuts down Yankees’ “better team” narrative
Dave Roberts isn’t here for revisionist history. Fresh off leading the Dodgers to another championship, he’s now fielding complaints from the Yankees about who really deserved the crown. But in classic Roberts fashion, he’s not ranting—he’s simply reminding everyone how baseball actually works. Because when it comes to winning, excuses don’t count. Championships do.
After leading the Dodgers to the World Series win, Roberts got his much-deserved contract. But there was a lot of noise from Nestor Cortes about how the Yankees were the better team. To put an end to this, Roberts said this on the Dodgers Territory podcast: “I still feel that we were the better team, and the best team won, but I understand his thoughts.”
Dave Roberts also said that he understands the best team always doesn’t win the titles. He understands this because he has been in that position before with the Dodgers. But in 2024, the Dodgers were above everyone and their domination in the World Series proves it.
So, while the Yankees debate hypotheticals, Roberts and the Dodgers are busy stacking trophies. In baseball, the scoreboard settles arguments, not post-game interviews. And if being the “better team” doesn’t come with a parade, was it ever really better?
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