That’s all even more true now that the Dodgers have all but captured the Japanese market, after signing Ohtani and righties Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in the last two offseasons. The World Series had better TV ratings in Japan than in the U.S. Almost no one else in baseball can relate to the scrutiny Roberts faces.

Dave Roberts and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers won’t yet say they have agreed to a new contract.

After going all the way in 2024, Dodgers President Andrew Friedman celebrated Dave Roberts for agreeing to a league-best long-term contract.