The Los Angeles Dodgers had a final order of business before departing for Japan on Wednesday in that they wanted to sign manager Dave Roberts to a new contract extension.
Indications that the sides were close to a deal gave way to a reported agreement on Monday of Roberts signing a four-year, $32.4 million extension that makes him the highest paid manager in MLB history in terms of average annual value.
That record previously belonged to Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who has an $8 million AAV. Counsell remains the highest-paid manager overall with his $40 million guarantee.
While Roberts was reluctant to fully discuss the new Dodgers contract that is not yet official, he admitted to being a bit relieved, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY:
“I can’t talk about it so much, but obviously there’s some closure,” Roberts said. “I’m excited. This is the place where I always wanted to be. I just love what we’re doing. This is pretty special. …
“There’s obviously things off the field that are important. I try to make sure that my focus stays on the players, the game, the Dodgers organization. I think I’ve done a good job.
“But the other part of that stuff is just part of the job and I’m looking forward to some closure for sure.”
Roberts had previously expressed his gratitude and excitement with a new contract being on the horizon. The 2025 season had been the last year on Roberts’ current deal and he never showed any inclination to reach the open market as Counsell did.
This marks a third contract extension Roberts has signed during his career as Dodgers manager. In 2018, he agreed to a four-year extension before the Winter Meetings began. Then in 2022, Roberts signed a three-year contract extension two weeks before the start of the regular season.
Dave Roberts’ managerial career
Roberts has guided the Dodgers to at least 90 wins in every full season as Dodgers manager. The lone exception was the shortened 2020 season, when he led the team to the Majors’ best record at 43-17.
Among all-time Dodgers managers, Roberts is fourth in total wins. Ahead of him are Walter Alston (2,040), Tommy Lasorda (1,599) and Wilbert Robinson (1,375). Roberts is entering the 2025 season with 851 managerial wins.
Roberts’ career .627 winning percentage is the highest of any manager in MLB history (minimum 315 games). It’s only topped by Negro League managers Bullet Rogan (.698), Vic Harris (.663) and Rube Foster (.633).
Roberts is entering his 10th season as manager of the Dodgers.
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