Manager Dave Roberts has been at the helm since 2016, guiding the club to three World Series titles, five National League pennants, and nine NL West titles. He recently celebrated his 1,000th win as a major league manager, a milestone that underscores his long-standing impact on the franchise. In 2025, Roberts signed a four-year contract worth $32.4 million, ensuring his leadership through the 2029 season. Beyond that, his future with the Dodgers remains a topic of discussion within the organization and among fans.
One player whose views on Roberts’ tenure have drawn attention is shortstop Mookie Betts. Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract with the Dodgers in 2020, ensuring his presence in Los Angeles through 2032. Earlier this year, Betts indicated that 2032 would be his final season. He has spoken about wanting to spend his later years focusing on his family, noting the importance of being there for his children and his aging parents.
With Betts’ contract extended to 2032 and his retirement planned for that year, Betts has expressed a desire for Roberts to remain as Dodgers manager until his own retirement. This sentiment has been acknowledged by Roberts, who stated that Betts’ wishes are something he has considered. However, Roberts stressed that he does not foresee an era extending into two entire decades, emphasizing the physical and emotional demands of sustained leadership.
As the 2029 and 2032 horizons approach, the Dodgers face questions about continuity and succession, particularly given the strong impact both Betts and Roberts have had on the organization. Roberts has spent the vast majority of his managerial career with the Dodgers and became one of the fastest managers to reach 1,000 career wins, further cementing his status within the franchise’s history.
Betts’ trajectory with the Dodgers has paralleled his storied time with the team. In a recent milestone, Betts reached the same number of games with the Dodgers as he did with the Boston Red Sox, a reflection of his durable presence in Los Angeles. Across a combined total of 794 games with both franchises, Betts’ production has been impressive: with the Red Sox, he tallied 139 home runs, 470 RBIs, a .301 batting average, and 134 OPS+, along with a World Series title and league MVP honors. With the Dodgers, his line includes 163 home runs, 473 RBIs, a .275 batting average, 134 OPS+, and multiple World Series titles.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Betts’ influence, noting that Betts’ presence has helped shape the perception of the Dodgers across the league. Betts and Roberts have shared a strong working relationship, with Betts’ retirement plans interwoven into discussions about leadership continuity in Los Angeles.
This season has presented its challenges for Betts. An oblique injury in early April slowed his start, and he has faced a period of adjustment. Through 57 games, Betts has posted a .237 batting average, with a .297 on-base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage, marked by 11 home runs and 30 RBIs. Nonetheless, Betts remains a central figure for the Dodgers, contributing leadership and veteran presence as the team pursues continued success.
Overall, the Dodgers’ performance this year reinforces the sustained excellence of the organization. Betts and Roberts have become synonymous with the team’s identity, and their futures—through 2032 and beyond—continue to shape discussions about leadership and legacy within Los Angeles baseball. The franchise’s capacity to blend elite talent with stable management remains a defining strength as they push toward another deep postseason run.
