Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts‘ son, Cole Roberts, will take on a role as a bench coach for Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers, part of the Detroit Tigers’ farm system.
The San Diego Padres drafted Cole Roberts in 2019, though the shortstop opted to play with Loyola Marymount University for four years before testing professional baseball. The Arizona Diamondbacks signed him as an un-drafted free agent in 2023.
Cole Roberts had a great first season in the Arizona Complex League, posting a 1.035 OPS through 19 games in his first season. He began 2024 in Single-A and worked his way up to High-A, but the D-backs ultimately released him in July 2024.
The Philadelphia Phillies signed him to a minor league contract ahead of 2025, and although he made it all the way to Double-A from Single-A in their system, they ultimately released him in July 2025 as well.
Now retired, Cole Roberts will follow in his father’s footsteps and begin a coaching career. Coincidentally, Dave Roberts began his playing career with the Tigers, being drafted by the team and remaining in their minor league system for five seasons.
What Does a Bench Coach Do?
MLB.com defines a bench coach as the right-hand man to the team’s manager. Their responsibilities are broad, but they generally assist in making in-game decisions and serve as an advisor to the manager.
The bench coach often fills in for the manager during suspensions. Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann took Dave Roberts’ spot this season after the manager got tossed during a heated matchup with the Padres.
Due to their proximity to the manager and knowledge of the game, MLB.com notes “Many bench coaches go on to become managers, or are former managers.”
Will The Lakeland Flying Tigers Do Well Last Season?
The Flying Tigers are coming off of a solid season in 2025, during which they finished atop the Florida State League West in both halves of the Single-A regular season.
They had a 75-53 record, finishing seven games above Philadelphia’s Single-A Clearwater.
The Tigers have an incredibly strong farm system, currently ranking sixth in MLB by ESPN’s standards, meaning they could very well run it back in 2026.
