Dave Roberts Eyes Team USA Manager Role for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Dave Roberts, the longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has made it clear that he wants to take his leadership to the Olympics. With the 2028 Summer Games scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, Roberts sees a unique opportunity to guide Team USA on home turf.

Roberts has been at the helm of the Dodgers since 2016, leading the team to three World Series championships and establishing himself as one of the most respected figures in Major League Baseball. His success in Los Angeles, combined with his local roots as a UCLA alumnus, strengthens his case for the Olympic position.

“I want to manage the Olympic team,” Roberts told the California Post, as reported by the New York Post. “That’s what I want to do. In L.A., I want to manage that team.” He emphasized that his familiarity with the city and experience managing at the highest level make him a natural fit.

Time will tell if Roberts will receive the opportunity, but his ambition highlights a growing trend of MLB managers and players showing interest in international competition as the sport’s profile continues to rise globally.

1. Roberts’ Case for the Olympics

Roberts believes his track record with the Dodgers makes him an ideal candidate for Team USA. Beyond his three World Series titles, he has consistently guided a roster of talented stars while fostering team chemistry and adaptability—qualities essential for short international tournaments. Being based in Los Angeles gives Roberts another advantage. He has deep ties to the area, having graduated from UCLA and managed the Dodgers for nearly a decade. “It’s a no-brainer,” he said, citing both his personal connection and professional credentials. While professional managers have occasionally led Team USA, Roberts would be among the most accomplished MLB figures to pursue the role directly from an active major-league team. His experience navigating high-pressure playoff scenarios is seen as a strong asset for international competition. Roberts’ vision is not just about prestige; he wants to help showcase baseball on a global stage in front of a home crowd. His involvement could inspire MLB players to participate and elevate the profile of the sport during the 2028 Olympics.

2. MLB Player Participation and Scheduling

Historically, Olympic baseball rosters have relied heavily on college athletes and minor leaguers because the Summer Games often coincide with the MLB season. This has limited the presence of top professional players in previous tournaments. For the 2028 games, a growing number of MLB stars, including Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper, have expressed interest in participating. Progress is being made to accommodate pro players, with the LA28 organizers revising the schedule to minimize conflicts with the regular season. According to Dylan Hernandez of the California Post, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated optimism about a potential agreement, which would require only a slightly extended All-Star break to allow for player participation. This flexibility could ensure that Team USA fields a full-strength roster for the first time in decades. Roberts’ potential involvement as manager, combined with a professional player roster, could dramatically increase the team’s competitiveness and the overall visibility of baseball at the 2028 Olympics.

3. Historical Context and Team USA Outlook

Team USA last captured Olympic gold in baseball in 2000 under the guidance of former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. Since then, the program has experienced mixed results, including a runner-up finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bringing Roberts into the fold could symbolize a return to prominence. His MLB playoff success, experience managing high-profile stars, and connection to Los Angeles could energize the program and excite fans. The combination of Roberts’ leadership and the potential participation of MLB stars offers the strongest opportunity in decades for Team USA to contend for a gold medal on home soil. Success in 2028 could also influence how MLB and the Olympics collaborate in future tournaments. As the Dodgers manager positions himself for the Olympic role, baseball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Roberts’ championship experience translates to international success in Los Angeles.