Dave Roberts has developed a reputation of being a strong leader who is capable of getting the team to pull in one direction during his nine seasons as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Roberts has regularly earned praise from players who have been with the Dodgers for multiple seasons, and he made quite the impression on Teoscar Hernández in his first year with the team.
“Dave, I think, is one of the best managers that I have. Charlie (Montoyo) was a great one too,” Hernández recently said.
“It’s just the confidence that he gives to the players. He lets you play. He lets you be the player that you’ll always be. He lets you have fun. His communication with his players and team is one of the best that I had in my career, and I think that’s why he’s so special for this team and the players.”
Hernández signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2011 and was with the organization until 2017 when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. After brief stints in the Majors with the Astros and Blue Jays, he finally earned a starting spot in Toronto during the 2018 season.
Hernández played with the Blue Jays for a majority of his career and most of that time was under the guidance of manager Charlie Montoyo. Hernández was traded to the Seattle Mariners in the final year of his contract but was allowed to hit free agency in the offseason.
The Dodgers were his third team in as many years.
Roberts’ ability to connect with his players has been a known trait that he has cultivated over the years and it is why he’s one of the most respected managers in baseball.
Dave Roberts to be a ‘big part’ of Dodgers’ future
Roberts has one season remaining on the three-year extension he signed in 2022. The Dodgers have not had any conversations with him about a new contract, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed their desire to have Roberts remain the organization going forward.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes reiterated that sentiment this past week and noted the franchise expected Roberts to remain manager for the long-term.
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