The Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts have reportedly agreed to a record-breaking contract extension. Roberts will land a four-year extension that comes in at slightly over $8 million per year, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Monday. Roberts money surpasses Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s five-year, $60 million ($8 million flat AAV) contract signed in 2023. The deal will kick in ahead of the 2026 season.
Dodgers, Dave Roberts Agree to New Four-Year Deal
Roberts, 52, has enjoyed significant success since joining the Dodgers in 2016. Under his leadership, the team has reached four World Series, winning two in 2020 and 2024. The Dodgers have made the postseason every year of his nine-season tenure and have won 91 or more games in all but the 2020 shortened season.
The path to Roberts’ contract extension was far from smooth. After the Dodgers were unceremoniously eliminated in the first round of the postseason in 2022 and 2023, his job security was questioned. In 2024, history nearly repeated itself when the Dodgers found themselves one game away from elimination against the San Diego Padres. However, the team rallied, winning the next two games and ultimately securing the World Series title. Had they faced an early exit, Los Angeles would likely have looked for a new manager for 2025.
While firing Roberts might seem out of the question when considering his impressive record, it wasn’t a guarantee. The two-time World Series-winning manager has led the team to four National League pennants and eight divisional titles. His career record of 851-506 translates to a .627 regular season winning percentage, the highest of anyone who has managed 250 or more games. With a star-studded Dodgers roster, it’s hard to see that winning percentage dropping anytime soon.
As for the hardest decision Roberts will face, it’s likely not one on the field—his retirement could be the next major call of his career. After his time with the Dodgers, it’s not hard to imagine Roberts eventually making his way to Cooperstown.
Main Photo: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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