Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts heaped high praise for his 2025 championship squad, noting the roster’s complete buy-in.
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“Not one time was I questioned on my decision-making [by the players], which in turn would question their commitment to the team,” Roberts said to Jack Harris of the California Post. “They all felt their time was coming. They all felt that their roles were really valued. I don’t think that any head coach or manager can say that.”
While the Dodgers certainly have star power, the team rarely receives credit for its camaraderie and clubhouse culture. Organizations need talent to win championships, but chemistry is also a key component to earning a title.
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Several MLB teams feature stars in their lineup, but the Dodgers perfectly embody a championship team’s tight-knit relationship.
Roberts called upon veteran infielder Miguel Rojas in Games 6 and 7 of the World Series. Despite not having played for three weeks, Rojas was eager to contribute and immediately made an impact for the Dodgers.
In Game 6, Rojas was apart of the game-ending double play that kept the Dodgers’ postseason hopes alive and sent the series to a decisive Game 7.
“I was ready for the opportunity,” Rojas said following the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. “This is what I’ve been doing for the team the last couple years. I wasn’t the everyday shortstop last year. Something happened and I had to step in and play shortstop. Same thing with the opportunity this year. I wasn’t playing that much early in the year, but always ready for the opportunity. When you’re ready and when you know your role, you’re always going to be ready for the opportunity.”
Beyond current players, the Dodgers have also landed free agents because of the organization’s esteemed reputation. L.A. was able to sign baseball’s best closer, Edwin Diaz, this winter and he cited a key reason for signing with the defending champions was their treatment of players.
Diaz revealed his brother, Alexis Diaz, spoke highly of the Dodgers after spending part of the season with L.A.
“I did talk to Alexis a little bit when the conversation was getting more close to sign with the Dodgers. He told me that they are really, really good organization,” Diaz said at his introductory press conference in December. “They treat every player like they are all really good players. And that was something I looked for. You know, he told me great things about the Dodgers and made it easy for me.”
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One Response
It’s fascinating that Roberts highlights “buy-in” so strongly, suggesting the unity was the real differentiator, even more so than the star power. I wonder what specific actions or team meetings truly cemented that trust early in the season to prevent any questioning down the stretch.