With the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to defend their World Series crown, manager Dave Roberts is about to get a record-breaking extension for his contract.

Sources said on Thursday, March 6 that the Japanese-American manager and the Dodgers organization are in serious talks to close in the long-term extension.

Dodgers To Make Roberts Highest-Paid Manager

MLB Rumors: Dodgers Ready to Break the Bank For Dave MLB Rumors: Dodgers Ready to Break the Bank For Dave
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Roberts and the Dodgers are making "strong progress" toward a contract extension worth more than the MLB high-water mark for managerial annual salary.

The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported that the agreement, to be finalized before the team leaves for Tokyo on Wednesday, March 5 would be more than the $8 million per year held by current Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

While in negotiation, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has indicated confidence in the negotiation process, terming the negotiations as "very good." This follows after the team initially focused on player signings before turning attention to Roberts' extension.

Roberts Seeks to Feel 'Valued' in New Contract

Even though his loyalty to the Dodgers never wavered, Roberts made it certain that money matters. In an interview with ESPN's Buster Olney in February, he highlighted the importance of feeling appreciated:

"Hopefully everything takes care of itself, but it's about value. I just love this organization, but, yeah, you want to feel you're valued, absolutely."

With the Dodgers set to break records for player contracts, including Shohei Ohtani's $700 million megadeal, rewarding their long-time skipper with a historic contract would align with their approach to securing elite talent.

Roberts and 'Winning' Are Synonymous

Roberts has been the manager of the Dodgers since 2016, and his reign has been nothing short of hegemonic. With him in the lead, the team has never failed to make the postseason and has appeared in the World Series four times, winning titles in 2020 and 2023, Bleacher Report reports.

Few managers in the history of baseball have achieved his level of success, so it is only natural that Los Angeles signs him to a record-breaking contract.

Closing Out the Deal Ahead of the Season Opener

As spring training comes to a close and the Dodgers prepare for Opening Day in Tokyo, there is anticipation that Roberts' contract will be closed out in the next few days. If done, this agreement would solidify his position as one of the most respected and highest-paid managers in the sport.

For the Dodgers, maintaining stability at the managerial level is a key move toward their pursuit of another title. And for Roberts, a record-breaking payday might be the ultimate endorsement of his success in Los Angeles.