That’s all even more true now that the Dodgers have all but captured the Japanese market, after signing Ohtani and righties Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in the last two offseasons. The World Series had better TV ratings in Japan than in the U.S. Almost no one else in baseball can relate to the scrutiny Roberts faces.

Roberts’ deal will likely top the $8 million per year that Craig Counsell received from the Chicago Cubs after the 2023 season.

The 2025 season will mark Dave Roberts 10th as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it is also the final year on his current contract. Signing Roberts to an extension has been on the offseason checklist for the Dodgers front office,