The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming to win back-to-back World Series titles for the first time in a very long time. While there’s still work to be done, they currently hold a 1-0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason. Coming into the series, manager Dave Roberts had high praise for superstar Shohei Ohtani.
“He’s in and has been in postseason mode,” Roberts told reporters after the Dodgers’ 6-1 win over the Mariners. “His September has been fantastic — at-bat quality, you can see it on the mound, he’s got a different look right now.”
Due to the playoff format, the Dodgers had a day off before Game 2. However, teams are still required to hold media sessions, and during the press conference, Roberts was asked a surprising question about retirement. His response offered a rare glimpse into his long-term thinking.
“I think at that point in time,” Roberts said. “it’ll be more of a year-to-year type thing. It’s been a great 10 years here, but we’ll see where we’re at in four more years. The world is going to look a lot different, I’m sure.”
While Roberts didn’t suggest retirement is imminent, his comments drew comparisons to a similar situation just a month prior, when longtime Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl made reflective remarks — and then stepped down weeks later.
“Not that much longer Jon. I think it’s kind of a balance of life, of time, of work. I love Auburn, I truly do. I want to do it when I am on top of my game. We owe that to our players and our fans. As you get a little bit older, you take it one day at a time,” Bruce Pearl said to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.
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Although Roberts’ tone was more reassuring than Pearl’s, the mere fact that retirement is now being discussed publicly raises questions about how much longer he plans to manage. It’s a topic that will likely shadow him moving forward.
If the Dodgers go on to win it all, this could potentially mark the final chapter in Roberts’ managerial career. Whether or not he’s nearing the end, the speculation has officially begun — and it may follow him through every postseason from now on.
