PHOENIX – Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ longest-tenured manager since Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, has agreed to lead the team through the 2029 season. Roberts, who is entering his 10th season with the Dodgers, signed a four-year contract worth $32.4 million on Monday morning, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The contract is expected to be officially announced on Tuesday, but news of the extension was first reported by the New York Post.
Roberts, who was in the final year of his previous contract that paid him $4 million this season, will now become the highest-paid manager in terms of annual average value. With two World Series titles under his belt and the highest winning percentage (.627) of any MLB manager outside the Negro Leagues, Roberts expressed his commitment to staying with the Dodgers, stating that he values the team and his role in baseball.
While Roberts falls short of the contract signed by Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell last year, he was not interested in exploring other opportunities and prioritized his loyalty to the Dodgers. Roberts’ successful tenure includes leading the Dodgers to four National League pennants, eight division titles, and 907 regular-season victories. Despite concerns about his job security in the past, Roberts remained focused on achieving success, ultimately guiding the team to a World Series title in 2024.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Roberts acknowledged the pressures of the job but remains dedicated to his love for the game and the Dodgers. With his contract extension secured, Roberts looks forward to continuing his success with the team and further solidifying his place in baseball history.
Roberts will be among a select group of managers in the 21st century who have led the same team for a decade or more, including notable names such as Mike Scioscia, Ron Gardenhire, Bruce Bochy, Joe Girardi, Bob Melvin, Terry Francona, and Kevin Cash. The Dodgers, known for their managerial stability with Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda, maintain this tradition with Roberts. For more updates, follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale. This article was first published on USA TODAY: “Manager Dave Roberts and Dodgers reach a four-year, $32.4 million contract extension.”
