As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to keep their hopes alive for a sixth consecutive National League West title or postseason berth, soon awaits what’s expected to be an active offseason on many fronts.
In addition to Manny Machado’s impending free agency and the possibility of Clayton Kershaw joining him, the organization faces a decision on the contract status of manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts’ current three-year deal is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2018 season, though the Dodgers hold a 2019 club option that could very well be exercised if a longterm agreement fails to come to fruition.
Despite the uncertainty of Roberts’ future with the organization, the general consensus is that a new contract will eventually be hammered out between both parties, and that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager also aren’t in danger, via Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports:
While manager Dave Roberts is a lame duck, no one sees him as being in jeopardy. Same goes for top front office honchos Andrew Friedman, Farhan Zaidi and others, as they’ve won the division every year there until now and managed to get below the $197-million luxury tax threshold while adding many key pieces.
Since being hired prior to the 2016 season, Roberts has elevated the Dodgers to new levels. In each of his first two full seasons with the club, he helped guide the organization to a pair of NL West titles in addition to its first World Series appearance since 1988.
Roberts has stated on numerous occasions that he isn’t concerned with his contract standing and hopes to remain at the helm going forward.
Zaidi echoed similar sentiments and stated in April that his desire is to eventually reach a longterm extension with Roberts.
