Dave Roberts was one of the most criticized figures during the World Series, and there is talk that he might not return as Los Angeles Dodgers manager next season. He feels differently.
Roberts said after the Dodgers lost the World Series on Sunday night that he expects “us to be back here next year.”
Roberts originally signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year when he took over as Dodgers manager before the 2016 season. He acknowledged after the game that his option has not been picked up yet.
“No, it hasn’t happened yet,” he said of his contract.
Roberts then said he’s planning to manage the Dodgers next year and bring the team a championship.
“My plan is to manage the Dodgers. I love this city, I love the organization. Everything that it’s about. And I love the high expectations. That’s the way it should be. I can always get better. I do believe that we’re doing a lot of good things,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers lost in the 2016 NLCS, then lost in back-to-back World Series under Roberts. I defended Roberts over all the criticism he faced after the Dodgers blew a 4-0 lead in Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday, but it’s conceivable that the team’s leadership may feel it’s necessary to make a managerial change and bring in a new voice after the disappointment they’ve endured.
