In baseball, every decision is scrutinized. Every contract tells a story. The Dodgers just made theirs loud and clear. Four years, $32.4 million. That’s what it costs to keep Dave Roberts, now the highest-paid manager in the game. He’s got two rings to show for it. But is that enough? The Dodgers expect more. The fans demand it. The road to another championship just got a whole lot more interesting.

Yet, amid the applause from the Dodgers Blues, there’s a growing chorus of doubt. Critics are questioning whether this gamble on Roberts, a manager who has thrived in regular but often faltered in the postseason, will pay off in the long run. As the Dodgers aim for yet another successful championship run and defend their title, the question lingers—did they place their faith in the right person, or is it just a move to placate a manager who may have reached his ceiling?

Roberts’s resume is impressive, to say the least. With a career managerial record of 851-506, he boasts a .627 win percentage, making him the most successful manager in Dodgers history. Over the span of nine seasons, he has led the Dodgers to a remarkable eight National League division titles, five 100-win seasons, and four pennants. His postseason track cannot be ignored as well, with a total of 56 postseason wins, ranking him sixth all-time. And the 2 World Series titles as well.

Despite these achievements, some continue to question his ability to navigate the postseason pressure cooker. While Roberts has been outstanding in the regular season, his struggles with lineup decisions and in-game management under the intense spotlight of October have cost the Dodgers at key moments.

Now, as the Dodgers’ pursuit of a repeat title heats up in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. Roberts isn’t just after another championship; he’s aiming to become the 11th manager with three World Series titles. On top of that, he has to face the pressure of proving the ‘gamble’ is worth it! Can he lead the Dodgers to back-to-back championships and solidify his legacy, or will the critics be proven right? Only time will tell.

Dave Roberts preps the Dodgers for the Japan Series

As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs prepare for their unique season opener in Japan, the early start has thrown a curveball into their usual spring training routine. A hectic schedule, long flights, and a massive 15-hour time difference have made it an unconventional buildup to the 2025 MLB season.

However, for Dave Roberts, this isn’t just about getting ready for two games in Tokyo; it’s about making sure his team is in the right mindset and health to thrive on both sides of the globe. “It’s two games, and we’re not going to exhaust everything to get ready for two games,” Roberts shared early in camp. “But also, we want to be ready and prepared to win two games in Tokyo while appreciating that when we come back, we’ll have time to get ready for the domestic opener.”  With his focus set on balancing prep and patience, Roberts is handling the jet lag like a pro.

The Dodgers have been navigating a whirlwind schedule, with eyes on Shohei Ohtani, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery but still hitting .357 in Cactus League play. Although he won’t be pitching in Japan, his swing remains a key asset. Pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are set for Tokyo, with Sasaki striking out five in his spring debut. Freddie Freeman, fresh off his ankle surgery, blasted 3 homers while Mookie Betts is adjusting to shortstop.

With the excitement building for their Japan debut, the Dodgers are primed for an unforgettable start to the season.