The Los Angeles Dodgers look to quickly turn the page from another disappointing World Series defeat as they face a busy offseason ahead. The club has decisions to make on seven players that officially reached free agency, in addition to finding a long-term solution at manager.
All signs have continued to point at Dave Roberts being that answer. For months, the Dodgers front office has reiterated their intentions of working out an extension with him.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reaffirmed those hopes at the conclusion of the Fall Classic, while general manager Farhan Zaidi echoed similar statements on Thursday at the Dodgers brass’ annual end-of-the-season press conference.
According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, Roberts will indeed remain at his post as Dodgers manager for the 2019 season and beyond by signing a four-year contract extension:
Roberts and Dodgers will have deal. Believed to be completed by tomorrow for 4 years.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2018
For Roberts, his desire all along was to remain with the Dodgers organization. He’ll stay put for at least three more seasons and expects his group of players to finally get over the hump in 2019 with their first championship in 31 years.
In his first three seasons at the helm as Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts developed a positive culture in the clubhouse while leading the organization to three division titles and two National League pennants.
His and the front office’s focus will now shift to filling out his staff as they will need to replace third base coach Chris Woodward, who is now the manager of the Texas Rangers, and hitting coach Turner Ward, who took the same position with the Cincinnati Reds.
