After the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, manager Dave Roberts spoke in a somber tone as he looked ahead to an uncertain offseason.
His comments pertained to the likes of Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Chris Taylor being among the group of Dodgers free agents. Of which only a few were resolved before the MLB lockout began in December.
With that bringing MLB free agency to a halt, some focus shifted to Roberts having just one year remaining on a contract extension signed after the 2018 World Series. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has indicated throughout the offseason a new deal would be reached.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, Roberts and the Dodgers are currently engaged in contract extension negotiations:
“We’ve begun talks. We’re talking as we speak,” he said. “I just hope that we can come to an agreement.”
With the lockout limiting teams to Minor League signings, and changes to their coaching staff or organization, it was curious that weeks passed without the Dodgers signing Roberts to a new contract extension.
Friedman continued to assure that was not indicative of the Dodgers’ opinion of Roberts, who in turn downplayed any concern. Friedman did add if Roberts were to enter the regular season as a lame-duck manager that it would not be any sort of distraction.
Roberts planning to manage regardless of contract
Roberts made it clear he will manage the 2022 regular season even if not signed to an extension before Opening Day.
Since being hired as manager before the 2016 season, Roberts has led the Dodgers to an MLB-best 542-329 record, five NL West titles, three National League pennants and one World Series championship.
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