Dave Roberts: A Managerial Journey of Positivity and Growth
Dave Roberts has always been an unconditionally positive leader, but after years of playoff criticism, his finest work at the helm also demonstrated his evolution as a manager. On May 26 last season, Yohan Ramirez, a journeyman reliever, was struggling to find the zone in the eighth inning. Two days after hitting two batters and walking another in his first game of the series in Cincinnati, Ramirez appeared erratic again, plunking two more batters to load the bases. This time, however, something extraordinary happened. Instead of pulling Ramirez, as most managers might, Roberts stepped out of the dugout, wrapped his arms around the 29-year-old, and told him how much he believed in him. He then left Ramirez in the game, and one pitch later, Ramirez extinguished the threat. Despite being with the team for less than a week, Ramirez described Roberts as more of a father figure than a coach. This sentiment echoes among many Dodgers players, highlighting Roberts’ ability to connect with his team and his consistent positivity, both vital traits when leading a club teeming with superstar talent.
Building Trust and Connection
Roberts’ management style is deeply rooted in building trust and connection. Players like Teoscar Hernandez, who joined the Dodgers for the first time, have praised Roberts for the confidence he instills in them. Hernandez noted, "It’s just the confidence that he gives to the players. He lets you have fun. His communication with his players … is one of the best that I had in my career. And I think that’s why he’s so special for this team." Roberts has managed not only games but also egos and off-field turmoil, all while maintaining a cohesive and motivated team. His ability to keep the Dodgers on track, piling up both 100-win seasons and respect, is a testament to his managerial acumen. As the Dodgers prepare to reward Roberts with a long-term extension, it is clear that his positive leadership and ability to connect with players have made him indispensable to the franchise.
Overcoming Adversity in the 2024 Season
The 2024 season was a testament to Roberts’ growth and resilience. The Dodgers used a franchise-record 40 pitchers throughout the season as an avalanche of injuries decimated the pitching staff, threatening to derail Shohei Ohtani’s historic first season with the club. By the start of the postseason, only one member of their Opening Day rotation remained. To win in October, they needed a cavalcade of relievers and an expert manager who could meticulously deploy those arms—someone who knew when to push and when to throttle back. In the deciding Game 5 of the World Series, Roberts took a relaxed stroll to the mound, exuding a sense of calm even as his heart beat out of his chest. Rather than pulling Blake Treinen, who had already faced seven batters and thrown 37 pitches, Roberts gauged his reliever’s condition and decided to trust him. Treinen rewarded Roberts’ faith by striking out Anthony Rizzo to end the threat. The Dodgers, on the brink of winning a championship, still needed someone to pitch the ninth. Out of more traditional options, Roberts entrusted Walker Buehler to finish out the season. World Series MVP Freddie Freeman described it as one of the best games he had ever seen managed, a clear indication of Roberts’ strategic brilliance and ability to read the room.
Learning from Mistakes
Roberts’ journey to becoming one of the best managers in the sport is marked by both successes and failures. He won NL Manager of the Year in 2016, his first season at the helm in Los Angeles, and proceeded to tally the highest winning percentage by any manager in MLB history (minimum 1,000 games). However, his playoff decisions often came under scrutiny. The most memorable and perplexing misfire came in the deciding Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS, when Roberts called on Clayton Kershaw out of the bullpen with two outs in the seventh inning. Kershaw recorded a strikeout to preserve a two-run lead, but when he was sent out for the eighth inning, the decision backfired. Despite these setbacks, Roberts’ leadership helped the Dodgers secure the 2020 title, a victory that briefly quieted the critics. However, the pressure mounted again when the Dodgers were upset by the Diamondbacks in 2023, following a 100-win season. These experiences, though painful, have been instrumental in Roberts’ growth and evolution as a manager.
Strategic Brilliance in the 2024 Postseason
Roberts’ strategic brilliance was on full display in the 2024 postseason. He referenced the "trust tree" he has with his high-leverage relievers, the few players he believes in most when the stakes are highest. Over the years, Roberts has learned the importance of restraint, especially when faced with a depleted rotation. Down to three healthy starting pitchers, he had to judiciously deploy his staff, often turning to low-leverage options to keep his team afloat. In the NLCS, with the Padres on the Dodgers’ heels, Roberts called a rare team meeting to address the group’s morale after losing Tyler Glasnow for the year. His message was simple yet powerful: "I can’t believe in them more than they believe in each other." This instilled a sense of unity and confidence that carried the team through the playoffs. General Manager Brandon Gomes praised Roberts’ ability to navigate the season’s challenges, noting, "Continuing to instill the confidence in our group and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each guy to piece it together, I think that’s as impressive of a job as we’ve seen."
A Well-Earned Extension
Soon, it will be time for the Dodgers to demonstrate how special they believe Dave Roberts is. The two sides have been in discussions for more than a month, and it is anticipated that Roberts will receive a long-term extension as he prepares to enter the final year of his deal. Roberts and the Dodgers have made the playoffs all nine years under his leadership, a feat that only five managers in MLB history can claim. Moreover, Roberts has five 100-win seasons, a testament to his skill and the club’s depth. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged the role Roberts’ relentless optimism played in keeping the team positive and moving forward, even during the most challenging times. The pressure of winning a World Series every year can be immense, but Roberts has managed to thrive under it, leading the Dodgers to their second title in four years. His ability to adapt and make critical in-game decisions, combined with his positive influence on the players, has solidified his place as one of the winningest managers in Dodgers history. A record deal would be a well-deserved recognition of his contributions and a clear signal of the Dodgers’ commitment to his leadership.
