The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first back-to-back World Series winners in a quarter century in 2025, and it’s no wonder they did, looking at their team full of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers.
But behind the star-studded lineup, manager Dave Roberts led the team to victory and supported his players — just as he has done for the past decade.
ESPN conducted a poll among five current MLB managers asking them who the best manager in MLB is, and three of them answered with the Dodgers’ skipper.
“Before the World Series happened, I would say [Detroit Tigers manager AJ] Hinch,” said Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker. “I would probably stick with AJ. But what Doc [Dave Roberts] did this postseason was super impressive. So I would give it a 1A and 1B, because everybody talks about the rosters that Doc has had, and yes, he has unbelievable talent. But what he did this postseason — and honestly the previous one, too, with how he navigated that Padres series — I give him a whole ton of respect.”
Schumaker, a former Dodger, took over manager Bruce Bochy with the Rangers after spending the previous season as a senior advisor to president of baseball operations Chris Young. He wasn’t the only former Dodger to sing Roberts’ praises, though.
“I think Dave, his ability to relate with any type of people,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “He manages such a high-profile group year in and year out, and the expectations that come and how steady Dave is through any point in the season. Dave never wavers. There’s always a sense of urgency from those that are working for him. We all know what’s at stake and did — I say we; I’m not there anymore. But I think Dave just has like a real steady hand and understands how to get through a season and then postseason, certainly, he’s masterful with the bullpen moves.”
McCullough never played for the Dodgers, but spent four seasons as the Dodgers’ first base coach, leaving to the Marlins after winning the World Series in 2024.
The final coach wasn’t a former Dodger, but spent a majority of his career in the NL West.
“You’ve got to go with the World Series champions,” newly-appointed Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “Dave Roberts has proved that he can take a star-studded team and win two World Series in a row. That’s pretty impressive. You can do that, you’ve got my vote. But another guy I’m thinking about is Tito Francona. I had him for one spring training, 2016, but a ton of respect for him and how he goes about his business.”
Roberts’ acclaim among his peers is understandable, as he’s consistently led the Dodgers to winning seasons throughout his career. He’ll look to continue doing so in the upcoming season, as the Dodgers look for their third straight World Series title.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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