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 almost surpass by 100 million their opponent in the upcoming World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays, who rank fifth with $255.23 million.
Beyond the Payroll: The Human Factor
While the Dodgers’ economic might is evident, there’s an essential human factor that translates those dollars 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 mindset to turn talent into victories,” Roberts explained after clinching the 2025 National League Championship Series over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Roberts, at 53, is relatively young but has ample experience, including three World Series titles with the Dodgers: as a player in 2004 and as manager in 2020 and 2024.
Player Support
“I 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 praised.
“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 that with a lot of class,” added Freddie Freeman, a nine-time MLB All-Star at 36 years old.
These words from experienced, successful players confirm that Roberts has fulfilled several key elements of positive leadership: creating unified teams, building excellent relationships, and leading with purpose, according to author Jon Gordon.
Managing a Veteran Roster
Currently, Roberts works with two of the five MLB players with the most valuable contracts: 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 potential sweeps in the playoffs: 2-0 over the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round and 4-0 over the Milwaukee Brewers in the League Championship Series. The exception was a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series.
In essence, the Dodgers are in their 23rd World Series in franchise history with only one loss in ten playoff games and players delivering standout performances. Shohei Ohtani hit three home runs in the final game against the Brewers, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto became the first pitcher to throw a complete game for the team in the postseason in 21 years, also against Milwaukee (Game 2).
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.
Joe Torre, who managed the Yankees to three consecutive titles at the start of this century, approves of Dave Roberts’ philosophy to guide the Dodgers toward another MLB dynasty.
“He’s done a great job. When you’ve won, you know what it takes to do it again, and you can’t stop to admire what you’ve done because you’ll lose it quickly… Each postseason is a challenge, but by the Dodgers’ game, it’s clear they’re prepared for every moment,” Torre said.
In this World Series, Dave Roberts stands not only on the brink of a collective celebration with his roster but also an individual one. If he wins, he’ll become the third manager with the most postseason victories (69) in MLB history, trailing only Joe Torre (84) and Tony La Russa (71).
This would further elevate the legacy he has already built with the Dodgers, combining economic might with human acumen.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why are the Dodgers so successful despite their high payroll? A: Their success is attributed to manager Dave Roberts’ human touch, smart decisions, player development, and team mindset.
- Q: How do players view Dave Roberts? A: Players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman praise Roberts for his leadership, keeping the team in playoffs annually, and managing expectations in a challenging environment.
- Q: What is Dave Roberts’ postseason record? A: If the Dodgers win the 2025 World Series, Roberts would have the third-most postseason victories in MLB history, behind only Joe Torre and Tony La Russa.
