TL;DR - Scouting Report
The Dodgers are extending Dave Roberts with a $32.4M deal, making him MLB’s highest-paid manager. But with this roster, is he REALLY elite?
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!Dave Roberts just became the highest-paid manager in MLB history, reportedly signing a four-year, $32.4 million contract extension with the Dodgers through 2029. Did the Dodgers overpay? Let’s break it down.
An official announcement is expected as soon as Tuesday.
Dave Roberts’ Record-Breaking Contract: Is He Worth $32.4 Million?
Roberts, 52, is off to a legendary start, and could be on a pace for all-time greatness with a roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Let’s take a look at the accolades for Roberts in nine seasons at the helm of the Dodgers:
- A win-loss record of 851-506 (.627), best all-time for those with at least 1,000 games managed
- Postseason appearances every season
- Ranks 12th all-time in most games over .500 (344)
- Eight division titles (the Dodgers lost the 2021 NL West by one game after winning 106 games)
- Five 100-win seasons
- 56 postseason wins (sixth all-time)
- Four National League Pennants (2017, 2018, 2020, 2024)
- Two World Series Championships (2020, 2024)
Next on Roberts’ radar? An attempt for his club to be the first repeat champions of baseball since the 1999-2000 Yankees.
By doing so Roberts would become the 11th manager ever to win at least three World Series titles.
His roster almost completely returns from the championship run a season ago. The Dodgers also added starting pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, in addition to relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates.
Next week the Dodgers will open their title defense in Japan against the Cubs in the Tokyo Series, a two-game set held at the famed Tokyo Dome.
Despite constant criticism by some fans, Dave Roberts’ regular season record speaks volumes. However, it’s his postseason record that could be something to watch for in the coming years.
How Roberts’ Resume Compares to MLB’s Greatest Managers
His 56 postseason wins trail five managers who are either in or locks to be in the Hall of Fame: Joe Torre (84), Tony La Russa (71), Bobby Cox (67), Dusty Baker (57) and Bruce Bochy (57).
Assuming the Dodgers repeat as World Champions in 2025, you could add 11 more wins to Roberts’ postseason resume, lifting him to 67 and a tie with Cox, who managed 29 seasons. Roberts is entering his 10th.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility to think Roberts could be the first big-league skipper to eclipse 100 postseason wins. He’d have exactly 100 if the current playoff format remains the same, and the Dodgers win four more rings.
Of the above managerial list, Baker managed the fewest seasons at 26 years, 16 more than Roberts.
Torre was once paid $7.5 million in 2007, and turned down a $5 million contract with an option to pay him an extra $3 million if the Yankees had won the World Series.
Is MLB Underpaying Managers Compared to the NFL & NCAA?
With his new deal, Roberts is expected to surpass Cubs manager Craig Counsell ($8 million) as the richest in baseball. He’s followed by the Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo ($5 million), Rangers’ Bochy ($4.5 million) and five others with $4 million.
Though the richest in the MLB, Roberts does not crack the list of the top 50 managers/head coaches in professional sports. For comparison, University of Washington football head coach Jedd Fisch is earning an AAV of $7.75 million.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid tops all coaches with an AAV of $20 million. Is baseball underpaying its managers?
Will Roberts One Day Become MLB’s First $10 Million Manager?
If Roberts wins 100 postseason games, he’ll likely be a shoe-in to be a Hall of Famer and baseball’s first $10 million manager. Do you think he’s on track to accomplishing both?
Though, while Roberts’ track record is historic, critics can argue that he’s had arguably the best roster in baseball for years. Is it the team, or did Roberts make that difference? Let’s discuss in the comments.
