The Los Angeles Dodgers held their first full-squad workout of Spring Training on Saturday, which per tradition began with manager Dave Roberts addressing all players in the clubhouse before they dispersed on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.
Roberts’ first official message to the Dodgers each year often touches on needing a collective effort from the group — including Minor Leaguers and non-roster invitees — and working in unison toward the team’s goal of winning a World Series.
While the Dodgers are accustomed to World Series-or-bust expectations, that is heightened this season amid bolstering their roster with several marquee additions.
After speaking with the Dodgers, Roberts revealed his message included putting a focus on the team’s mentality and preparation, per Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“There’s an understanding of what we’ve done, who we are, knowing that people are going to come after us with their best each and every night of baseball, and stressing more the mental part of it, the grind, how we do things, versus outside expectations and things like that,” Roberts said.
Keeping their focus internal has been a key pillar since the Dodgers hired Roberts as manager in 2016. While they annually have featured talent-rich rosters, Roberts has consistently pointed to a collective strong work ethic and cohesiveness as being difference-makers.
Several players remarked the 2024 Dodgers was the closest team they were part of and believe that was a key factor in staving off elimination against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
Much of that core group remains in place for 2025, and the likes of Blake Snell, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates signed with the Dodgers in large part because of a desire to win a World Series.
Dave Roberts needs contract extension
Roberts is entering his 10th season as Dodgers manager without a contract in place beyond 2025. There’s an expectation he will sign an extension, similar to doing so in 2022, when Roberts and the Dodgers agreed to a new contract two weeks before Opening Day.
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