When the dust settled on the 2024 season, Dave Roberts could finally breathe. The Dodgers had conquered baseball’s biggest stage, hoisting the World Series trophy after years of postseason heartbreak. But as Roberts reflected on the championship run, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the importance of their battle with the Padres in the NLDS and how San Diego’s $108 million gamble on Yu Darvish had turned into a nightmare.

Before the Dodgers could even think about the World Series, they had to escape a brutal division series against a relentless Padres squad. Down 2-1, their bullpen nearly depleted, and facing elimination, Roberts knew Game 5 was make-or-break. And standing in their way? Yu Darvish – a pitcher with the talent to shut down any lineup when he was on.

“You know, Darvish is one of those guys where, any given night, he can absolutely carve,” Roberts said. “We had to battle, hang in there, and find a way to scratch out a win.”

The Dodgers did just that, eking out a victory that not only sent them to the NLCS but also reinforced Roberts’ belief that surviving early postseason rounds is the key to going the distance. “It’s about getting to the long series,” he explained. “Once you’re in a seven-game series, bats can heat up, you can settle in. But if you don’t give yourself that chance? You’re going home.”

And meanwhile, San Diego calculated that their $108 million investment in Darvish wasn’t paying off. The veteran right-hander, extended through his age-41 season, had been inconsistent, and his contract seemed like a financial burden for the Padres who are already flirting with payroll concerns.

The irony wasn’t lost on Roberts. The Dodgers, known for their financial muscle, had made calculated moves to build a sustainable powerhouse. The Padres? They’d spent big but lacked the depth to outlast their division rivals.

“Winning it all was incredible, but beating the Padres, knowing what it took to get past them? That was just as satisfying,” shared Roberts.

Dave Roberts’ quest for back-to-back titles for the Dodgers

Winning a World Series is already quite a feat, on its own; however, achieving the back-to-back victory — a new level of challenge! One that Dave Roberts is set to achieve in 2025.

As they kick off the season as frontrunners, Roberts understands the additional strain that comes with defending the title. Opponents would be poised to give their all with renewed vigor and critical emphasis on player’s health. Managing the mental exhaustion from an intense playoff journey must not be disregarded, as well.

Still, Roberts believes that the key to repeating lies in consistency and adaptability. “We can’t just assume last year’s formula will work again. We have to keep evolving.”

One of Roberts’ biggest tasks will be managing expectations while keeping his star-studded roster motivated.

Shohei Ohtanis’ remarkable skills, alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, bring talent to the team; but it’s not just about ability. It is also about maintaining a competitive edge in the game. The Dodgers have strategically bolstered their pitching lineup during the offseason. However, their true strength will be put to the test throughout a demanding 162-game season. Manager Dave Roberts will have to navigate through managing player workload while focusing on growth and fostering a harmonious team environment to ensure the squad remains sharp and competitive for a deep postseason campaign.

Think he might secure his reputation as one of the managers to achieve back-to-back championships in recent MLB history?