The Most Expensive Team in MLB
It’s undeniable: the Los Angeles Dodgers have the highest payroll in the 2025 MLB season, totaling $350 million, according to Spotrac. They nearly surpass the Toronto Blue Jays by $100 million, who rank fifth with a payroll of $255.23 million.
Beyond Economic Power: The Human Factor
While the Dodgers’ economic might is evident, there’s an essential human factor that translates this money into wins: Dave Roberts. He has been the manager for 10 seasons and in half of those, he’s led the Dodgers to the World Series.
“There are no shortcuts to building a winning culture. Yes, we have resources, but it takes smart decisions, player development, and a team mentality to turn talent into victories,” Roberts explained after clinching the 2025 NL Championship Series over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Player Support
“I’d never say anything bad about Dave because, for me, he’s incredible,” Mookie Betts, a two-time World Series winner with the Dodgers under Roberts’ management, recently said.
“He means a lot. In these 10 years under his leadership, he’s kept the team in the playoffs every year. It’s very difficult to be the manager of Los Angeles due to all that happens here, how hard it is to win, and the expectations. But he manages all of this with a lot of class,” added Freddie Freeman, a nine-time MLB All-Star at 36 years old.
Leading with a Positive Approach
Currently, Roberts works with two of the five highest-paid MLB players: Japanese Shohei Ohtani (10-year, $700 million contract) and Mookie Betts (12-year, $365 million contract).
Beyond salaries, he must manage a roster with the highest average age in the league. The Dodgers top this category at 30.2 years, with veterans like Clayton Kershaw and Blake Treinen (37).
The players responded with their fifth consecutive regular season of over 90 wins and two sweeps in the postseason: 3-0 over Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round and 4-0 over Milwaukee Brewers in the League Championship Series. The exception was a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series.
Striving for Historical Success
“Winning this World Series is most important for all of us and our families,” Roberts expressed about facing the Blue Jays, aiming to be the first consecutive World Series champion since the Yankees won in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
“I believe we’re in a zone where we’re only focused on playing well. This is a great and focused group. We have a lot of hunger and prioritize the small things. We don’t care about what’s already passed; we’re healthy, and there’s still a lot of work to be done,” he added.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes Dave Roberts so successful as a manager? His ability to create unified teams, build strong relationships, and lead with purpose, as outlined by author Jon Gordon.
- How does Roberts handle high-paid, older players? He effectively manages the roster, combining economic power with human acumen.
- What is Dave Roberts’ postseason record? If the Dodgers win the World Series, he’ll have the third-most wins (69) in MLB postseason history, behind only Joe Torre (84) and Tony La Russa (71).
